Mazda MX30 Cold battery and heating issues!

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Bob Long

Bob Long

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Well, here we are.....We have a 2019 Kona (64Kw) and today we bought a 100th Anniversary MX30, White with Maroon roof. We now have 2 cars at totally opposite range scales. This MX30 is our 4th EV since 2015, so we are not new to electric driving! We had a Kia Soul, Tesla Model S, and a Kona, and all used our wall box for heating up the battery and cabin, therefore not eating into the battery range. But the Mazda seems to use its own battery for that purpose, even when plugged in. That’s crazy! Not only that, but the Mazda doesn’t seem to warm up the battery either. It doesn’t show anywhere that it does, even at -17c, and the gauge on the screen shows the needle in the cold blue area. As soon as we start driving a warning sign comes up saying that the battery is cold and that driving speed is restricted, and there is no regen either! What’s going on Mazda? You also contradict yourself by saying that the reason you created a small battery is to save the environment as it’s cleaner to manufacture and that the car’s range falls within the average daily commute. When I asked the dealer why they didn’t make a “Frunk” in the spacious engine compartment, he said that the space was left for a future “Range Extender”....a RANGE EXTENDER? Yes a range extender using petrol which we are trying to get away from. If the MX30 has a range extender it will be useless here in Norway who has the most toll charges in Europe, and only 100% electric cars are exempt from paying tolls. Mazda, why didn’t you create a slightly bigger battery in the first place? Not happy at all...especially as our Kona’s cabin and battery warms up perfectly and we drive away without any issues at -22c! (-7.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
 
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Uh, that's disappointing! You'd think that auto manufacturers at least steal a couple good features from others. Not Mazda it seems.
 
The MX30 was on sale here in Norway since last September and we bought one last week as it has an App. We knew about the poor range but it suited our needs for local driving. Unfortunately our 2019 Kona hasn’t got remote heating and cannot be installed, whereas with the 2020 model can. The App is absolutely crucial for heating the car from inside our house in winter. We were fed-up getting dressed and undressed in thick coats, boots and gloves several times a day to walk to the garage through thick snow and -22c (-7.6F) to set the heating to come on half an hour before any journey. We contemplated buying the newer Kona model, but the Mazda was half the price. Decided to keep our existing Kona for the time being as its a brilliant car. The Mazda is an extremely well built quality EV, but it’s still a lot of money to pay just for an App!! We also sincerely hope that Mazda will iron out the heating problems soon.
 
I apologize in advance for sounding a little preachy here but when you live in a country with winter why not adapt? It's winter. I dress in appropriate clothing, get into my freezing cold Leaf and drive away. It's never been so cold that the car wouldn't go, even when not plugged in over night. I only use the heater in sub freezing temperatures to keep the windows from fogging up and my face and legs from freezing. The human body has amazing adaptive capabilities. I swim until late November and cross the backyard to the composter only wearing shorts. Spending too much time in over heated homes and cars wastes a lot of energy and prevents the adaptive process from taking place. A happy and frosty New Year to all.
 
Hi Paul, First of all a Happy New Year too! :)
Actually we do adapt extremely well to our severe cold winters here in Norway. I was merely commenting that the high voltage battery wasn’t being heated up and not the cabin. Many other Mazda MX30 owners have this same issue. We wear thermals under our thick coats and trousers, and we use the heated seats and heated steering wheel most of the time and set the air conditioning to 17.5 degrees Celsius. That when it’s -22c Celsius outside. There is an issue with this car (and other MX30’s) and Mazda needs to get it sorted. I don’t think you would be wearing shorts at -7.6 F (-22.6 C) in your backyard! :)
 
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Bob Long said:
Hi Paul, First of all a Happy New Year too! :)
Actually we do adapt extremely well to our severe cold winters here in Norway. I was merely commenting that the high voltage battery wasn’t being heated up and not the cabin. Many other Mazda MX30 owners have this same issue. We wear thermals under our thick coats and trousers, and we use the heated seats and heated steering wheel most of the time and set the air conditioning to 17.5 degrees Celsius. That when it’s -22c Celsius outside. There is an issue with this car (and other MX30’s) and Mazda needs to get it sorted. I don’t think you would be wearing shorts at -7.6 F (-22.6 C) in your backyard! :)
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Point taken on body adaption and cabin heat. I also rely on the steering wheel and seat heaters so as not to have to use the resistance heater unless absolutely neccessary. I was also referring to the battery maintaining itself in the cold. It's interesting how manufacturers can send their cars off to different parts of the world without being fully prepared for the conditions they must operate in. The Leaf has been lambasted endlessly over the lack of a TMS for the traction battery. This only shows up when trying to take long trips in really hot weather. It's a real trouper in the cold however. Looks like the Mazda can't deal with extreme cold. The two vehicles appear to have opposite short comings regarding temperature extremes.

And I have crossed the back yard in -20c temps in bare feet wearing only shorts. But not for long ha ha. BTW if I was fully retired and had the money to travel, Norway would be first on my list of places I'd love to visit. ciao PK
 
I take it you have the Leaf 2? I had heard about the Battery Management System (or lack of it), especially charging in hot weather. Like any new car, I should have waited until all the teething problems were sorted.
We will wait until the spring and decide what to do. We still have our 64Kwh Kona which is an exceptional car and is second after the Long Range Model 3 regarding range on a full battery. We achieved 551 km on a trip last summer.
Norway is a great country but extremely expensive, so start saving now!! I’m retired and from the UK and my pension doesn’t go very far here. I’m sure you already know this, but Norway has the most EV’s in the world per capita. 61% of all new cars registered here are electric! The UK is lagging behind at just 2%. As from 2025 no more Diesel, petrol or hybrids will be sold in Norway. Kind regards, Bob
 
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It’s a shame about the Mazda. I was so excited when I first read that they were releasing an EV and mostly let down with their efforts. It’s a really good looking car to me I hope despite its limitations it works out for you.
 
Thanks for your comments. Yes it's a good looking car and the interior is even better. We have the Cosmo and 100th Aniversary edition. The quality of the materials are just outstanding and the ride is so comfortable and quiet. It feels like a car that costs twice the price. You get a lot of car for the money, even with its limitations. It depends on your circumstances and how the car will fit into your lifestyle. The range is good for everyday commuting and once the problems are ironed out it will be a superb car. If you get a chance to test drive it you won't be disappointed.
 
Bob Long said:
I take it you have the Leaf 2? I had heard about the Battery Management System (or lack of it), especially charging in hot weather. Like any new car, I should have waited until all the teething problems were sorted.
We will wait until the spring and decide what to do. We still have our 64Kwh Kona which is an exceptional car and is second after the Long Range Model 3 regarding range on a full battery. We achieved 551 km on a trip last summer.
Norway is a great country but extremely expensive, so start saving now!! I’m retired and from the UK and my pension doesn’t go very far here. I’m sure you already know this, but Norway has the most EV’s in the world per capita. 61% of all new cars registered here are electric! The UK is lagging behind at just 2%. As from 2025 no more Diesel, petrol or hybrids will be sold in Norway. Kind regards, Bob
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I have a 2018 Leaf "S" which is the base model. I wasn't aware when I ordered it that only the two higher trim levels SV and SL use the a/c compressor as a heat pump in the winter or I would have sprung for the SV. I've had no issues with battery overheating at all largely due to my application. I use it as a small business service vehicle with mostly urban/suburban with the occasional longer trip. I'm not in the normal income demographic for EV buyers but self employment helps as I can claim depreciation as a business expense. I retain a 21 year old Saturn so I can declare the Leaf as 100% business. I can also use the Saturn for a really long run.

My problem is more the EV range loss with cold temps. At freezing or below as soon as you touch that heater button WHAM goes 20% off the range. I've actually used fast charging in the winter to get the battery hotter and extend the range. My cold weather range when forced to use the heater is around 180km which comes up a little short on those longer runs. For that reason I recently test drove the cousin to your vehicle; the Kia Niro. You have to buy the more expensive trim level to get the heated seats and steering wheel but I have to say I was blown away with how good the vehicle seemed. There was a shade over 400km showing on the GOM at 0degC and it only dropped 24km when hitting the heater button. I assume that only the heat pump was needed at that temp. I'm sure the mid winter temps in Norway as well as Canada would require the resistance heater with a more substantial drop.

I have to chuckle at the Leaf's owner's manual advice to let a hot battery cool before recharging. In the summer that means overnight! Still, if your application is like mine it's a rock solid dependable trouble free and more affordable EV to own. I'm very happy in those regards and feel bad that sales have probably been hurt by the excessive bad publicity around the lack of TMS.
 
Bob Long said:
If you get a chance to test drive it you won't be disappointed.
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Not sure if it’s coming to the US but if it does I’ll certainly give it a look. I’ve owned two previous Mazda’s, an MX6 and a Mazda3 and loved both. And I agree with you about the design and quality. The MX30 is a looker. Enjoy!
 
Clamps said:
Not sure if it’s coming to the US but if it does I’ll certainly give it a look. I’ve owned two previous Mazda’s, an MX6 and a Mazda3 and loved both. And I agree with you about the design and quality. The MX30 is a looker. Enjoy!
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Yes, the MX-30 has been confirmed for the US, both the BEV and one with a range extending rotary engine (that's what the extra space under the hood that OP mentioned is for).

https://www.motortrend.com/news/mazda-mx30-rotary-range-extender-usa-confirmed/

I previously drove a Mazda3 hatch for over ten years and certainly appreciate their design and driving feel. I also think that Mazda's insistence on keeping tactile buttons and controls for the driver rather than moving to touch is deserving of much kudos and appreciation. Having driven a Clarity PHEV with approx. 50 mile EV range for 3 years, I'm fine with the smaller battery and more limited range of the MX-30 compared to other EVs. About the only thing that holds me back from switching to the MX-30 is the freestyle doors for the rear. With two older kids, I don't want to have the inconvenience of having to open the front doors to let them out. I used to drive 2-door coupes when I was younger and I'm too old now to deal with the hassle of that!
 
Paul K said:
I have a 2018 Leaf "S" which is the base model. I wasn't aware when I ordered it that only the two higher trim levels SV and SL use the a/c compressor as a heat pump in the winter or I would have sprung for the SV. I've had no issues with battery overheating at all largely due to my application. I use it as a small business service vehicle with mostly urban/suburban with the occasional longer trip. I'm not in the normal income demographic for EV buyers but self employment helps as I can claim depreciation as a business expense. I retain a 21 year old Saturn so I can declare the Leaf as 100% business. I can also use the Saturn for a really long run.

My problem is more the EV range loss with cold temps. At freezing or below as soon as you touch that heater button WHAM goes 20% off the range. I've actually used fast charging in the winter to get the battery hotter and extend the range. My cold weather range when forced to use the heater is around 180km which comes up a little short on those longer runs. For that reason I recently test drove the cousin to your vehicle; the Kia Niro. You have to buy the more expensive trim level to get the heated seats and steering wheel but I have to say I was blown away with how good the vehicle seemed. There was a shade over 400km showing on the GOM at 0degC and it only dropped 24km when hitting the heater button. I assume that only the heat pump was needed at that temp. I'm sure the mid winter temps in Norway as well as Canada would require the resistance heater with a more substantial drop.

I have to chuckle at the Leaf's owner's manual advice to let a hot battery cool before recharging. In the summer that means overnight! Still, if your application is like mine it's a rock solid dependable trouble free and more affordable EV to own. I'm very happy in those regards and feel bad that sales have probably been hurt by the excessive bad publicity around the lack of TMS.
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Some very good reading there! Yes we are at opposite ends regarding battery heating and battery cooling.
As for both the Niro and Kona, yes they are cousins produced by both sister companies Kia and Hyundai.
We test drove them in 2018 here in Norway but there was a two year waiting list for both including the new Kia Soul. In fact we bought our Kona second hand with only 100km on the clock. The previous owner got fed up waiting so he bought himself another EV instead. Such has been the demand for electric vehicles here. The Niro’s interior was more premium than the Kona, but all models now only come with the top spec. You can only choose between the 39Kwh or 64Kwh battery.

One of the biggest factors that plays a role is that in Norway around 40% of cars have a trailer (or a hitch in the US). Only the Tesla Model X at the time was the only EV that could pull a trailer worth talking of. Our 2019 Kona didn’t have that option and cannot be installed afterwards, unlike the 2020 model which you can.
The Niro was going to arrive with a tow bar, and many people ordered the car, only to be told by Kia that it would be dropped, so most cancelled their orders. That being the reason there are very few Niro’s on the road today.
I charged the Mazda MX30 to 100% this evening and got 179km of range. That’s without the cabin heating on.
I can only assume that will improve in time after our winter, but that is still months away!
 
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Bob Long said:
Unfortunately our 2019 Kona hasn’t got remote heating and cannot be installed
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Interesting - my 2019 US Kona has the app that allows remote climate control. I wonder why it was not available until later in the European market. I don't usually bother with it, because we have an attached garage which keeps it a bit warmer than outside.
 
Bob Long said:
Well, here we are.....We have a 2019 Kona (64Kw) and today we bought a 100th Anniversary MX30, White with Maroon roof. We now have 2 cars at totally opposite range scales. This MX30 is our 4th EV since 2015, so we are not new to electric driving! We had a Kia Soul, Tesla Model S, and a Kona, and all used our wall box for heating up the battery and cabin, therefore not eating into the battery range. But the Mazda seems to use its own battery for that purpose, even when plugged in. That’s crazy! Not only that, but the Mazda doesn’t seem to warm up the battery either. It doesn’t show anywhere that it does, even at -17c, and the gauge on the screen shows the needle in the cold blue area. As soon as we start driving a warning sign comes up saying that the battery is cold and that driving speed is restricted, and there is no regen either! What’s going on Mazda? You also contradict yourself by saying that the reason you created a small battery is to save the environment as it’s cleaner to manufacture and that the car’s range falls within the average daily commute. When I asked the dealer why they didn’t make a “Frunk” in the spacious engine compartment, he said that the space was left for a future “Range Extender”....a RANGE EXTENDER? Yes a range extender using petrol which we are trying to get away from. If the MX30 has a range extender it will be useless here in Norway who has the most toll charges in Europe, and only 100% electric cars are exempt from paying tolls. Mazda, why didn’t you create a slightly bigger battery in the first place? Not happy at all...especially as our Kona’s cabin and battery warms up perfectly and we drive away without any issues at -22c! (-7.6 degrees Fahrenheit)
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Wow! I’ve also owned multiple EVs and was looking forward to this being available in the US. Mazda has been so far behind Japanese and Korean competitors in EV and hybrid technology, I shouldn’t be surprised by these glitches. With no relationships or high-volume contracts with battery suppliers, Mazda will have a helluva time sourcing short-supply batteries, which is probably why they’re using the small ones. Thanks for this, Bob Long.
 
Also, Bob, thanks for your further comments about the vehicle’s strengths. Everything I’ve read about the Mx30 has seemed so great I planned to buy Mazda stock this morning before reading your post... Partly because I really respect the company’s values, culture and “David and Goliath” position as the only major niche carmaker to keep its independence. Now I’ll hold off on the stock until the MX30 is perfected. Super concerned that battery sourcing will be a nightmare for Mazda...
 
Hi Drake, actually this car may not be so bad overall. Having had the MX30 for just a week and knowing it’s limitations, we “test” drove it several days in extreme conditions.
A couple of days ago we decided to drive from our house to Oslo airport which is 107km (67miles).
We started with a cold battery showing 98% and 175km (109miles) of range. The outside temperature was -5c (23F). We had a tail wind and drove at 97km (61miles) p/h using the adaptive cruise control.
We turned the A/C on and off when needed, and when “off” used the heated seats and heated steering wheel. We arrived with 28% of battery remaining and 49km (30miles) of range left. We used a 50Kw CCS charger and it took forever to get up to 79% (65 minutes). We now had 128km of range and took a chance driving the 107km home without charging again. The first couple of miles we used the heating because the car got cold having stood there for an hour being charged. The rest of the journey home the heating was off, and the car didn’t even steam up! The whole journey back I kept an eye on the available range and it said we would have 5km (3miles) left. We got home exactly as predicted which was just amazing!
 
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