First drive: Mazda electrifies
12-07-2011, 04:06 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
First drive: Mazda electrifies
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25795D001E4BCC
Mazda2 EV combines spirited performance with longer-range zero-emissions motoring.
5 December 2011
By MARTON PETTENDY in JAPAN
MAZDA says its first electric vehicle has exceeded the company’s zero exhaust-emissions driving range target of at least 200km before it becomes available for lease in Japan next year as a precursor to other future EVs from the Japanese brand.
However, final validation testing of the Mazda2 EV, which has not been confirmed for retail sale inside or outside of Japan, is yet to be completed and Mazda will not reveal full performance or battery details for its Japanese domestic-market Demio-based vehicle for competitive reasons.
Despite that, GoAuto can confirm the Mazda2 EV – at least 100 of which will be produced for Japanese government and corporate lessees in 2012 – offers an outstanding level of performance, refinement and integration after we were among the world’s first global media outlets to drive the mould-breaking Mazda at its Hiroshima headquarters last week.
Mazda’s inaugural EV, which has been under development since mid-2010, previews the final step in the company’s ‘building block’ approach to cutting its fleet-average fuel consumption by 30 per cent between 2008 and 2015.
Before it releases its first EV, however, Mazda will launch its first hybrid model in Japan in 2013, and says its rollout of SkyActiv models – starting early next year with the all-new CX-5 compact SUV, which previews a new range of lightweight bodies and more efficient petrol and diesel engines – will have a far greater impact on total global CO2 reduction.
Mazda will not say exactly when its first EV will become available to private customers, but concedes it will be well before 2017, when strict new corporate average fuel consumption (CAFE) legislation – and even tighter fleet-average CO2 limits in certain ‘green’ states of the US – comes into effect.
“We have so far worked on IC (internal combustion engine) development, but we are now looking at a new phase of the market and an environment (in which) we need to produce zero emissions,” said Mazda Motor Corporation EV program manager Mitsuru Fujinaka.
“Yes, I hope to be able to do that (produce an EV for public release) in the future. The EV regulations will become more stringent in green states of the US and we assume that from the 2018 model year … but we are trying to be ready earlier than that.
“Sooner or later, we will have to have EVs or we won’t be able to sell (cars at all).”
Mazda will not name the supplier of the Mazda2 EV’s most important and heaviest single component, but Mr Fujinaka confirmed it would have a lithium-ion battery with an output of at least 20kWh.
Charging time will be seven to eight hours via a standard 200-volt Japanese power outlet, or in just half an hour using a higher-voltage quick-charge outlet.
He said the Demio EV would offer a claimed operating range of more than 200km.
This is better than Mitsubishi’s pioneering i-MiEV, Nissan’s upcoming Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Volt due from GM/Holden in Australia late next year – all of which offer about 160km – but less than the lease-only Mini E (240km).
“We are still developing the car, so we cannot talk about details … Yes, I think we can go beyond that (200km), but depends on the battery performance. We have hit the target, but still need to validate the battery reliability.”
The battery pack is bolted underneath the floorpan and also fills the space underneath the rear seat, replacing the fuel tank and slightly reducing ground clearance but leaving the boot, cabin, body and chassis fundamentally unchanged.
Similarly, the drive motor and power controller fill the void vacated by the engine and transmission under the bonnet, and continue to drive the front wheels.
Because the battery and motor add about 100kg of extra mass, the electrified Mazda2 hatch rides on modified suspension and feels heavier to turn into corners than the standard petrol-powered Mazda light car, which feels lighter on its feet and more willing to change direction.
On Mazda’s 2km Hiroshima test track, however, the electrified 2 was a revelation in terms of performance, delivering a crisp, responsive wave of torque – anywhere from standstill to beyond 100km/h – that makes the smaller i-MiEV and larger Leaf feel decidedly pedestrian in comparison.
The pint-sized EV’s effortless, seamless acceleration squashes you into the driver’s seat more satisfyingly than any Mazda2 we’ve driven before and is accompanied by an eerily relaxing silence, broken only by the electronic whir of its inverter when full power is called on.
Despite the startling throttle response, there is no transmission ****** or driveline coarseness, even under abrupt pedal applications, making the Mazda2 EV feel more refined and production-ready than the Hyundai i10-based BlueOn EV we drove in Korea last year.
If fact, Mazda’s direct rival for the Honda Fit (Jazz) EV is as integrated and user-friendly as its donor model, with a Charge/Eco/Power gauge replacing the tacho and a ‘Ready’ symbol illuminating when you turn the conventional key.
In addition to a regular Drive mode, the transmission shift gate in the development vehicle we drove featured ‘S’ and ‘L’ modes, but another pre-production version on display offered an ‘Eco’ mode, suggesting the Mazda2 EV will come with a regenerative braking mode like the i-MiEV, offering a greater level of ‘engine’ braking and kinetic energy recovery.
After six hard laps or 12km, the Mazda2 EV’s digital display revealed a remaining range of 110km, but we have no reason to question Mazda’s 200km range claim under less demanding driving conditions.
Mr Fujinaka said Mazda’s first EV would lead to other full-electric – as well as plug-in hybrid – models from the Japanese brand, potentially including all-wheel-drive and range-extending hydrogen-rotary vehicles.
“Yes, we are studying that,” he said. “We haven’t decided on a specific model yet, but we are studying EV for various applications.”
Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver said the Demio EV would not appear in local showrooms any time soon and questioned the acceptance of EVs in Australia, where consumers are not offered the kind of federal, state and local government incentives available in other countries.
However, he said Mazda Australia would seriously consider any electrified model that became available for the local market, where the popularity of EVs can only grow.
“It won’t happen overnight or in the next few years, but if we were to be offered an electric Mazda for sale in Australia it’s something we would look at seriously,” said Mr Maciver.
“We’d look at pricing, market demand and where it would fit into the range – the same process we always do. If we can make it add up, there’s no reason it wouldn’t be there.
“It’s not a matter of waiting to see what others (brands) are doing, but when it’s available for retail sale in our market.
“Having said that, I don’t think the market is quite ready in Australia, and from a production point of view we’re not ready to take it to another level for retail sale.”
Mazda2 EV combines spirited performance with longer-range zero-emissions motoring.
5 December 2011
By MARTON PETTENDY in JAPAN
MAZDA says its first electric vehicle has exceeded the company’s zero exhaust-emissions driving range target of at least 200km before it becomes available for lease in Japan next year as a precursor to other future EVs from the Japanese brand.
However, final validation testing of the Mazda2 EV, which has not been confirmed for retail sale inside or outside of Japan, is yet to be completed and Mazda will not reveal full performance or battery details for its Japanese domestic-market Demio-based vehicle for competitive reasons.
Despite that, GoAuto can confirm the Mazda2 EV – at least 100 of which will be produced for Japanese government and corporate lessees in 2012 – offers an outstanding level of performance, refinement and integration after we were among the world’s first global media outlets to drive the mould-breaking Mazda at its Hiroshima headquarters last week.
Mazda’s inaugural EV, which has been under development since mid-2010, previews the final step in the company’s ‘building block’ approach to cutting its fleet-average fuel consumption by 30 per cent between 2008 and 2015.
Before it releases its first EV, however, Mazda will launch its first hybrid model in Japan in 2013, and says its rollout of SkyActiv models – starting early next year with the all-new CX-5 compact SUV, which previews a new range of lightweight bodies and more efficient petrol and diesel engines – will have a far greater impact on total global CO2 reduction.
Mazda will not say exactly when its first EV will become available to private customers, but concedes it will be well before 2017, when strict new corporate average fuel consumption (CAFE) legislation – and even tighter fleet-average CO2 limits in certain ‘green’ states of the US – comes into effect.
“We have so far worked on IC (internal combustion engine) development, but we are now looking at a new phase of the market and an environment (in which) we need to produce zero emissions,” said Mazda Motor Corporation EV program manager Mitsuru Fujinaka.
“Yes, I hope to be able to do that (produce an EV for public release) in the future. The EV regulations will become more stringent in green states of the US and we assume that from the 2018 model year … but we are trying to be ready earlier than that.
“Sooner or later, we will have to have EVs or we won’t be able to sell (cars at all).”
Mazda will not name the supplier of the Mazda2 EV’s most important and heaviest single component, but Mr Fujinaka confirmed it would have a lithium-ion battery with an output of at least 20kWh.
Charging time will be seven to eight hours via a standard 200-volt Japanese power outlet, or in just half an hour using a higher-voltage quick-charge outlet.
He said the Demio EV would offer a claimed operating range of more than 200km.
This is better than Mitsubishi’s pioneering i-MiEV, Nissan’s upcoming Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Volt due from GM/Holden in Australia late next year – all of which offer about 160km – but less than the lease-only Mini E (240km).
“We are still developing the car, so we cannot talk about details … Yes, I think we can go beyond that (200km), but depends on the battery performance. We have hit the target, but still need to validate the battery reliability.”
The battery pack is bolted underneath the floorpan and also fills the space underneath the rear seat, replacing the fuel tank and slightly reducing ground clearance but leaving the boot, cabin, body and chassis fundamentally unchanged.
Similarly, the drive motor and power controller fill the void vacated by the engine and transmission under the bonnet, and continue to drive the front wheels.
Because the battery and motor add about 100kg of extra mass, the electrified Mazda2 hatch rides on modified suspension and feels heavier to turn into corners than the standard petrol-powered Mazda light car, which feels lighter on its feet and more willing to change direction.
On Mazda’s 2km Hiroshima test track, however, the electrified 2 was a revelation in terms of performance, delivering a crisp, responsive wave of torque – anywhere from standstill to beyond 100km/h – that makes the smaller i-MiEV and larger Leaf feel decidedly pedestrian in comparison.
The pint-sized EV’s effortless, seamless acceleration squashes you into the driver’s seat more satisfyingly than any Mazda2 we’ve driven before and is accompanied by an eerily relaxing silence, broken only by the electronic whir of its inverter when full power is called on.
Despite the startling throttle response, there is no transmission ****** or driveline coarseness, even under abrupt pedal applications, making the Mazda2 EV feel more refined and production-ready than the Hyundai i10-based BlueOn EV we drove in Korea last year.
If fact, Mazda’s direct rival for the Honda Fit (Jazz) EV is as integrated and user-friendly as its donor model, with a Charge/Eco/Power gauge replacing the tacho and a ‘Ready’ symbol illuminating when you turn the conventional key.
In addition to a regular Drive mode, the transmission shift gate in the development vehicle we drove featured ‘S’ and ‘L’ modes, but another pre-production version on display offered an ‘Eco’ mode, suggesting the Mazda2 EV will come with a regenerative braking mode like the i-MiEV, offering a greater level of ‘engine’ braking and kinetic energy recovery.
After six hard laps or 12km, the Mazda2 EV’s digital display revealed a remaining range of 110km, but we have no reason to question Mazda’s 200km range claim under less demanding driving conditions.
Mr Fujinaka said Mazda’s first EV would lead to other full-electric – as well as plug-in hybrid – models from the Japanese brand, potentially including all-wheel-drive and range-extending hydrogen-rotary vehicles.
“Yes, we are studying that,” he said. “We haven’t decided on a specific model yet, but we are studying EV for various applications.”
Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver said the Demio EV would not appear in local showrooms any time soon and questioned the acceptance of EVs in Australia, where consumers are not offered the kind of federal, state and local government incentives available in other countries.
However, he said Mazda Australia would seriously consider any electrified model that became available for the local market, where the popularity of EVs can only grow.
“It won’t happen overnight or in the next few years, but if we were to be offered an electric Mazda for sale in Australia it’s something we would look at seriously,” said Mr Maciver.
“We’d look at pricing, market demand and where it would fit into the range – the same process we always do. If we can make it add up, there’s no reason it wouldn’t be there.
“It’s not a matter of waiting to see what others (brands) are doing, but when it’s available for retail sale in our market.
“Having said that, I don’t think the market is quite ready in Australia, and from a production point of view we’re not ready to take it to another level for retail sale.”
12-07-2011, 04:42 AM
#2
I like how they lie about EVs being zero emission vehicles. You just shift where the emissions are made... at the electric plants.
Moreover, there are states where the electrical demand is critical, especially during hot summers. I wonder how the power plants will deal with the extra demand of charging thousands of EVs everyday.
Imho we shouldn't worry too much about pure EVs before we implement green ways of generating electricity (windmills etc). As range extenders they are doing a decent job though.
Disposing of all that lithium is going to be fun, too.
Stupid, stupid green states!
Moreover, there are states where the electrical demand is critical, especially during hot summers. I wonder how the power plants will deal with the extra demand of charging thousands of EVs everyday.
Imho we shouldn't worry too much about pure EVs before we implement green ways of generating electricity (windmills etc). As range extenders they are doing a decent job though.
Disposing of all that lithium is going to be fun, too.
Stupid, stupid green states!
12-07-2011, 04:51 AM
#3
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
I like how they lie about EVs being zero emission vehicles. You just shift where the emissions are made... at the electric plants.
Moreover, there are states where the electrical demand is critical, especially during hot summers. I wonder how the power plants will deal with the extra demand of charging thousands of EVs everyday.
Imho we shouldn't worry too much about pure EVs before we implement green ways of generating electricity (windmills etc). As range extenders they are doing a decent job though.
Disposing of all that lithium is going to be fun, too.
Stupid, stupid green states!
Moreover, there are states where the electrical demand is critical, especially during hot summers. I wonder how the power plants will deal with the extra demand of charging thousands of EVs everyday.
Imho we shouldn't worry too much about pure EVs before we implement green ways of generating electricity (windmills etc). As range extenders they are doing a decent job though.
Disposing of all that lithium is going to be fun, too.
Stupid, stupid green states!
TOTALLY Agree G...
Nissan say the same thing about their Leaf (20,000) in the USA...ZERO Emisions...Really.
12-07-2011, 05:25 AM
#4
I look at it this way: co2 production can be offset by an increase in forest creation (i know it's not about co2 etc), lithium disposal requires some special care.
Even ethanol produces formaldehyde as a byproduct of combustion, i'll take co2 any day over it.
Since the USA are in a position to dictate what we have to drive (market demand and stupid laws) I think that somebody will point it out that it's their fault if they pollute so much, not ours.
Engine size and efficiency, car size etc. Over Tax all the engines above 3.5l and see what happens. Most cars in europe have engines sized anywhere between 1l and 2l...
Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency! Even with cheap gas like the states we'd still be driving such small cars. I guess we aren't that spoiled.
On a sidenote: Here you can't market a car as "green" or "ecologic\al" even if it is electric.
Even ethanol produces formaldehyde as a byproduct of combustion, i'll take co2 any day over it.
Since the USA are in a position to dictate what we have to drive (market demand and stupid laws) I think that somebody will point it out that it's their fault if they pollute so much, not ours.
Engine size and efficiency, car size etc. Over Tax all the engines above 3.5l and see what happens. Most cars in europe have engines sized anywhere between 1l and 2l...
Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency! Even with cheap gas like the states we'd still be driving such small cars. I guess we aren't that spoiled.
On a sidenote: Here you can't market a car as "green" or "ecologic\al" even if it is electric.
Last edited by bse50; 12-07-2011 at 05:28 AM.
12-07-2011, 07:46 AM
#5
Last time I did the math based on 30% of the global power coming from coal, a 39 MPG piston engine is more CO2 friendly than a Nissan leaf, and the Tesla roadster is worse. I'm sure the stats have improved a little, but with Mazda claiming what? 70 MPG all gasoline engine in the new Mazda2, I don't see how the stats could improve enough in... 5 years to show more improvements in C02.
Electric cars are not the future unless we were to move to natural gas for electricity. If only hydrogen was more efficient (mechanically, and manufacturable)...
Electric cars are not the future unless we were to move to natural gas for electricity. If only hydrogen was more efficient (mechanically, and manufacturable)...
12-07-2011, 11:28 AM
#6
Registered
You can't "offset" CO2. You can either create more of it or less of it. Nothing is zero emissions, not even animals. Plants aren't even zero emission but their emission is at least oxygen. The term "zero emission" is basically wrong no matter how you apply it.
12-07-2011, 12:30 PM
#8
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The whole EV situation shows how much of a farce the aspect of emissions control really is at least in respect to how we handle it here in the United States. We cherry pick specific time frames to inspect emissions output totally ignoring the creation to combustion cost of fuels. The whole ethanol debate has been framed in this manner to show how we lose energy and increase emissions by introducing ethanol whereas we would actually be producing less emissions if we eliminated it all together!
I think EV's are a great idea, don't get me wrong. The US, in particular, has HUGE coal reserves and from an energy production standpoint I think it's important to diversify our use of what resources we have. Places like Arizona, for example, are largely powered by Nuclear power so EV vehicles can have a larger impact in more urban environments. However, advertising them as "zero emissions" is just as false as claiming ethanol saves the environment.
I have been waiting for a much lower cost EV vehicle to come to market because I think it could be a hedge against higher gasoline prices. Mazda might just have the ticket with the EV Mazda2. The LEAF is a great car but very very expensive. It's still $32,000 after the federal and state rebates and nearly $40,000 without them! My Mazda2 will still be less expensive over the course of a decade than buying a LEAF even with today's high gas prices.
Yet, Mazda clearly articulates they have "no choice" but to provide these vehicles because our wonderful elected officials have mandated these ridiculous CAFE rules to be put into place.
I think EV's are a great idea, don't get me wrong. The US, in particular, has HUGE coal reserves and from an energy production standpoint I think it's important to diversify our use of what resources we have. Places like Arizona, for example, are largely powered by Nuclear power so EV vehicles can have a larger impact in more urban environments. However, advertising them as "zero emissions" is just as false as claiming ethanol saves the environment.
I have been waiting for a much lower cost EV vehicle to come to market because I think it could be a hedge against higher gasoline prices. Mazda might just have the ticket with the EV Mazda2. The LEAF is a great car but very very expensive. It's still $32,000 after the federal and state rebates and nearly $40,000 without them! My Mazda2 will still be less expensive over the course of a decade than buying a LEAF even with today's high gas prices.
Yet, Mazda clearly articulates they have "no choice" but to provide these vehicles because our wonderful elected officials have mandated these ridiculous CAFE rules to be put into place.
12-07-2011, 12:52 PM
#9
High gas prices? You must be kidding Todd. 1.65€\L right here, right now 
All America needs are less lazy bums that drive SUVs and trucks to work. Seriously, check what these cars average and what's their size: Fiat Panda, Renault Clio, Ford Ka, Renault Twingo, Peugeot 207 etc.
You can make a 700km with any of them in 4. Let alone going shopping or to work.
All America needs are less lazy bums that drive SUVs and trucks to work. Seriously, check what these cars average and what's their size: Fiat Panda, Renault Clio, Ford Ka, Renault Twingo, Peugeot 207 etc.
You can make a 700km with any of them in 4. Let alone going shopping or to work.
12-07-2011, 01:53 PM
#10
Super Moderator
Thread Starter
You have not heard yet, our fabulous Australian Government (aligned politically to US Democrats) has passed a Carbon Tax, which starts from July 1 next year, and after 3 years goes to a full ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme)...they have priced Carbon at $26 a tonne (start), trouble is "who" do we trade with??....
Emissions Trading...what a joke!
Emissions Trading...what a joke!
12-08-2011, 04:57 AM
#12
Got Ink?
I laugh at people who buy EVs thinking that they are being "green". I usually say something like...
Me- "So, is that one of those new coal burning cars?"
Them- "No. It's electric."
Me- "And where did that electricity come from?"
Them- "Huh? What do you mean?"
Me- *shakes head, chuckles then sigh*
Me- "So, is that one of those new coal burning cars?"
Them- "No. It's electric."
Me- "And where did that electricity come from?"
Them- "Huh? What do you mean?"
Me- *shakes head, chuckles then sigh*
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