Long Range EVs don't make sense, says Mazda US CEO

There is no need to carry around a massive battery pack when chances are an urban user may only drive the EV a few dozen miles per day.

According to a media report, Mazda US CEO Jeffrey Guyton is sceptical about long-range EVs, stating that they may not be viable solutions for the future. He added that customers don't even need an EV with 300 miles of range, let alone any longer.

At the unveiling event of the Mazda CX-90, Guyton suggested that EV owners will soon shift their priorities and needs based on experience. According to Guyton, once customers note that they don't need a high battery range for their daily commute, they will stop seeking long-range EVs. He added that the improvement of the public charging infrastructure is more important.

With the resources used to produce EV batteries being finite, it makes more sense to use small battery packs that weigh less and can be charged significantly quicker. Guyton added that there is no need to carry around a massive battery pack when chances are an urban user may only drive the EV a few dozen miles per day.

Mazda's most recent model unveil was the range-extender version of its electric MX-30 called the E-Skyactiv R-EV. The vehicle is said to be powered by a small 17.8 kWh battery pack offering 85 km of range. This is paired with an 803cc petrol engine which acts as a range-extender which gives the E-Skyactiv R-EV a max range of 600 km on a 50-litre fuel tank. The small battery on the range-extender MX-30 can recharge in just 25 minutes.

Source: Green Car Reports