Mazda has been slow to make the transition to EVs, but it has been announced that the MX-30 crossover will arrive at dealerships in California this fall. It is not yet clear if or when it will go on sale in the U.S.

The MX-30 is effectively a smooth version of the CX-30, only without the rear door handles. It is not the most powerful EV, nor does it have the best range. However, it should be suitable for a solid city commute, and the hybrid model should help keep the battery full on long trips.

The MX-30 has been available in Europe for some time now, and one of the major criticisms of the EV is its small battery size. Unfortunately, EPA range tests are more conservative, and the range in the U.S. has been converted to 100 miles

. This is considerably lower than many competitors, the similarly priced 40 kWh Nissan Leaf (149 miles) and Mini Electric (114 miles). It is certainly not a car with competitive specs.

"The rotary generator marks the return of Mazda's unique rotary powertrain. The technology is designed to operate almost silently, replenishing the battery rather than driving the wheels." As a result, the MX-30 will always run like an attractive EV, but can be charged at will from the wall or on the go."

Here is what we know so far about the 2022 Mazda MX-30.

The Mazda MX-30 was scheduled to arrive in California dealerships this fall, but so far there is no sign of it hitting U.S. roads. However, the Japanese automaker has stopped short of keeping the price a secret, confirming that the standard MX-30 EV will start at $33,470.

On the other hand, if purchased with the premium package, it will start at $36,480, and as Elektrek points out, the various incentives available to Californians also mean that the car will ultimately cost less than $25,000.

However, it is unclear what the plan is for a widespread U.S. launch in a state that does not offer such generous incentives for EV purchases.

The design of the 2022 Mazda MX-30 is unlikely to attract much attention. It looks much like the CX-30, but a bit sleeker. For all intents and purposes, it looks like any other crossover.

However, Mazda uses more decorative language when describing the MX-30. The company calls its design "human modern" and states that "the exterior proportions give the crossover a sense of power and beauty, while the minimalist styling offers the same sense of refinement as other Mazda vehicles."

The interior, however, is unique. In keeping with Mazda's commitment to being an environmentally sustainable car, the interior is made without leather and instead uses fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles and cork from trees that have not been harvested. In fact, Mazda started out as a Japanese cork manufacturer before embarking on cars.

Like Tesla, Mazda used a center touchscreen for the controls. Unlike the Model 3, however, Mazda puts important buttons and knobs within easy reach. Buyers can also use the MyMazda app to remotely turn on the MX-30, adjust the air conditioning, and monitor the car from a distance.

One criticism of the Mazda MX-30 is its rather short range: at 35.5 kWh, it has a range of only 100 miles. In other words, the MX-30 loses out to the 40 kWh Nissan Leaf and Mini Electric in terms of range.

However, Mazda has good reasons for this.

"We shouldn't go overboard on battery size," says Christian Schulze of Mazda Europe's R&D department. 'We should take into account the range that the customer really needs and the battery [capacity] that can be avoided in order to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.'

This makes sense. Mining more lithium-ion is not good for the environment. Also, putting in extra battery cells that may not ultimately be used is, in a sense, wasteful. Considering that Europeans average about 31 miles per day, 35.5 kWh is more than enough.

Whether that translates to the American driving culture, however, is another matter entirely. Especially given the lower range estimates thanks to the more conservative EPA test cycle.

As for charging, the MX-30 will be compatible with Level 2 and DC fast charging stations; with DC fast charging, the battery reaches 80% charge in 36 minutes. Mazda has also partnered with ChargePoint to provide the solution, primarily in California.

Unfortunately, the 2022 Mazda MX-30 will not outperform Tesla. However, the MX-30 is designed to be a people mover first and a torque-crazed party trick second.

Aside from a small 35.5 kWh battery, the powertrain incorporates Skyactiv vehicle architecture to contribute to driving dynamics. SkyActive is Mazda's in-house technology development division. Any cool new piece of engine technology or exterior design is given the Skyactiv name.

The MX-30 is a front-wheel drive EV with an output of 107 kW (144 hp). Maximum torque is 200 lb-ft, which is notably higher than other FWD vehicles.

In any case, you won't be driving the MX-30 on the track; according to Auto Express, it has a 0-60 time of over 9 seconds and a top speed of 87 mph. While 87 mph may sound like plenty of speed, given the speeds California drivers drive on the freeway, buyers may want to stick to the right lane.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 should be a good first step into the US EV market by a prestigious manufacturer. The brand's reliability, styling, and high resale value will have fans lining up to test drive the MX-30. However, by limiting its launch to California, poor sales in that state could stall the national launch.

This is pure speculation, but given the size of the U.S. and the need to travel long distances, an upgraded version of the MX-30 may be on the horizon. It may not be for all markets, but states such as Texas and Montana, where long-distance driving is necessary, would benefit from the addition of a larger battery option.

Only time will tell if Mazda can attract buyers interested in EVs, especially those who don't drive long distances much and don't want to pay a premium for a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.