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Mazda e-TPV Concept Showcased With 35.5-kWh Battery, Will Get Rotary Engine

In preparation for the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda decided to reveal a prototype of the Japanese automaker’s new electric vehicle. It’s called e-TPV, and for the time being, the Hiroshima-based company describes it as a concept.
Mazda e-TPV concept 13 photos
Photo: Mazda
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Even though it looks like the CX-30 on the outside, the e-TPV is very different from the Mexico-built crossover under the skin. First things first, you’ll find a lithium-ion battery with a total voltage of 355 volts and prismatic cells.

The capacity (35.5 kWh) matches that of the Honda e, and that’s pretty much underwhelming at first glance. Now here’s the kicker. The e-TPV is a BEV, but Mazda plans a range-extender version of the same model, series hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. BMW is an automaker that offers a range-extending solution in the i3 REx, which utilizes a two-cylinder motorcycle engine from a maxi-scooter as a generator.

Mazda didn’t mention the displacement of the powerplant hiding under the hood, but one of the slides with regard to the automaker’s electrification plans confirms the return of the rotary engine design. Over the course of 160,000 kilometers, the e-TPV has the same environmental impact as a diesel-engined Mazda3 according to another slide of the presentation.

The higher-ups and PR people don’t mention too many specifics worhty of interest, and that’s somewhat curious given the unconventional push towards electrification embodied by the e-TPV. What we do know is that Mazda Motor Corporation quotes around 200 kilometers of inner-city driving as well as an electric motor with 105 kW (143 PS or 141 horsepower) and 265 Nm (195 pound-feet) of torque.

More will be revealed during the Tokyo Motor Show in October, and e-TPV stands for electric Technology Prove-out Vehicle. The production version is planned to hit the market in 2020 for the 2021 model year, aligning with the promise made by chief exec Akira Marumoto. A plug-in hybrid will follow suit in 2021.

The multi-solution approach to the rotary engine has a lot of potential going forward, and if you were wondering, the e-TPV rides on a Mazda-specific BEV platform with front-wheel drive for the time being. More variations of the vehicle platform are also planned, translating to… fingers crossed… all-wheel drive.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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