--- title: "Mazda’s Rotary Engine Lives Again as a Range Extender for Their EV" description: "Mazda is bringing the Wankel rotary engine back but this time it will be a range extender for the electric MX-30." date: "2023-01-09" modified: "2023-01-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/were-finally-going-to-see-the-mazda-mx-30-with-a-rotary-powered-range-extender" categories: - "Mazda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Mazda’s Rotary Engine Lives Again as a Range Extender for Their EV ![]() The Wankel [rotary engine]() has been dead since [Mazda]() killed off the [RX-8](). Yet, despite the rotary's less-than-ideal fuel efficiency, reliability, and oil consumption, fans loved it and have been asking Mazda to bring it back ever since. Now, fans might finally be getting what they've wished for ... sort of. Mazda *is* bringing the rotary engine back to the 2023 Brussels Motor Show this week, but this time as an EV range extender in the MX-30. Mazda's MX-30 has one of the shortest ranges of any EV on the market, with an EPA-estimated range of only 100 miles. So the need for a range extender is real, even if it's antiquated. It's been a while since we've seen a new electric car hit the market with a gasoline range extender. The [BMW i3]() was the most famous, and the take-rate on its range extender model was so low that BMW discontinued it in 2019. However, the MX-30 can use all the help it can get. ![A Mazda MX-30 EV.]() *Mazda* A rotary engine as a gasoline range extender is an interesting choice, considering it was never an especially efficient engine design. Its inherent lack of a traditional rotating assembly may make it lighter and more compact to fit into the back of a car. Also, we've heard that Mazda is adapting its traditional Wankel design with dual intake ports (VVT) to better improve low-power demand situations. It's also unclear exactly how it will work. BMW's i3 REx used its range extender to add a few miles of range, but only after the battery reached around 10% state-of-charge, so it was really just an emergency backup. However, Mazda's press release calls the MX-30's electric motor/rotary engine setup a "unique plug-in hybrid powertrain." Does that mean the rotary engine will be regularly engaged, similar to a plug-in hybrid? Could it add power to the rear-wheels, while the existing electric motor powers the front axle? Or will it work like the i3's emergency range extender? All of our questions should be answered when the car is finally revealed in Brussels at the end of the week. Either way, fans will likely be happy to see the rotary engine return. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()