The half rear-suicide-door was on the Saturn Ion Coupe decades ago. Maybe it’s time has come again?
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today semi-announced the introduction of the Mazda MX-30, its first battery-electric vehicle, in the US market beginning in fall 2021 at California dealerships. This is the first step in Mazda’s “multi-solution electrification strategy” that is lagging numerous other industry leaders.
“Mazda is preparing for the fast-changing US market demands by taking a multi-solution approach to electrification,” said Jeff Guyton, President of Mazda North American Operations, said. “The battery-powered MX-30 will begin the introduction of additional electrified models, including a series plug-in hybrid with a rotary generator for MX-30, a plug-in hybrid for our new, large platform, and a traditional hybrid for our new American-made crossover. While these powertrains will be optimized for their platforms.” Continue reading
California EV Rebate Demand Exceeds Funding
Nearly 65% of all California EV owners have received a CVRP incentive. The project has issued more than $926 million to state residents for more than 405,750 new EVs.
The demand for electric vehicles has the California Air Resources Board saying today that rebate funds for the statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) will be exhausted within 30 days. California residents get up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of a new, eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid light-duty vehicle. A wait-list will be established for application. Wait listed will receive a rebate contingent on funding appropriated through the legislative budget process. CARB also notes that there are additional opportunities throughout the state that consumers can take advantage of, including the Clean Fuel Reward, the Clean Air Vehicle Decal, and various local incentives offered by air districts and local governments.
“Existing funding for both standard and increased rebates is projected to be fully reserved in the coming weeks,” CARB said. Clearly CARB is trying to preempt or shape a potential political debate about EV subsidies are yet another example of how the system is rigged for the rich – the wealthier they are, the more taxpayer subsidies – aka socialism for the rich – accrue. Continue reading →