Rotary engine Mazda MX-30 R-EV still on the table for U.S.

The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is part of Mazda’s promise to resurrect its rotary engine after retiring the technology in 2012 when the RX-8 sports car was dropped.

Mazda has said that rotary engines are a key part of its electrification strategy because they can be easily combined with other components such as generators, batteries and fuel tanks, creating multiple powertrain options for the same vehicle.

The MX-30 R-EV uses a 17.8-kilowatt-hour battery, and — thanks to the rotary range extender — offers a competitive 53 miles of all-electric range. But the small body of the crossover prevents it from being an easy decision for the U.S. where consumers favor higher-riding SUVs and crossovers.

“When Mazda launched the MX-30 and laid out their plan, at one point it did include bringing the range extender here, but the market is going to dictate whether that car does well or not,” said Rob Meyer, chairman of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Council.

“All indicators say it’ll do pretty well in Europe, and that’ll just help cascade it here,” he said. Meyer is the co-owner of Tim Dahle Mazda Murray and Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne in Salt Lake City.

Part of Mazda’s DNA is building cars people desire to own, which makes selling them much easier, Meyer said. “I think they are on the right path.”