HomeCONSTRUCTIVEThe Mazda CX-80 Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK

The Mazda CX-80 Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK



Overview


The Mazda Motor Corporation, more commonly known simply as Mazda, is a leading Japanese automotive manufacturer. Mazda is a global automotive company, with business activities across a number of key international markets. Mazda was founded in 1920, initially as a cork-making factory (Toyo Cork Kogyo Co, Ltd.). The company started manufacturing vehicles in 1931. The ‘Mazda-go’, a tricycle truck, was the first vehicle to be manufacturer by the company. Mazda derives its name from ‘Ahura Mazda’, the God of harmony, intelligence and wisdom.

For a time, the US based Ford Motor Company owned a stake in Mazda, during a time Mazda was undergoing financial difficulties. Ford acquired a 24.5% stake in Mazda in 1974, increasing their stake to 33.4% in 1980. The Ford-Mazda partnership did result in a number of successful initiatives. Though the partnership ended in 2014, Ford started selling its stake in Mazda from 2008.

Mazda has conducted research on alternative fuel vehicles for many decades. The company has had a particular focus on hydrogen-powered vehicles. The company currently has the following electric vehicle (EVs) on sale in the UK:



Electric Cars: The Basics


For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:


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The Mazda CX-80 PHEV SUV


For those keen to migrate to electric vehicles (EVs), but undecided between an all-electric car (pure electric car) or a plug-in hybrid electric car, we at e-zoomed encourage opting for an all-electric car. The availability of pure electric cars across all segments and budgets is excellent, offering style, technology, versatility, practicality, fun and more than adequate real-world zero-tailpipe emission electric range. Though there are many reasons to chose a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) over a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the two key reasons are, lower life-cycle costs and lower life-cycle environmental impact.

Contrary to what is usually suggested, BEVs, also known as all-electric cars/ pure electric cars, are cheaper to own, operate, charge (refill) and maintain over the life of the electric vehicle, compared to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel cars. In stark contrast, conventional petrol and diesel vehicles have the highest cost of ownership of a vehicle. 

Moreover, on a life-cycle emission basis, BEVs have far lower emissions compared to PHEVs or conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. BEVs life-cycle emissions are potentially 50% lower compared to a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle! And do keep in mind a BEV does not have a tailpipe i.e. zero-tailpipe emissions (improving local air quality). So owning a BEV is both, good for the environment and the household wallet!

Of course, for those still keen on a plug-in electric car, the choice and availability has also increased significantly over the recent years, with PHEVs capable of delivering practical real-world zero-tailpipe emission electric range. The earlier generation of PHEVs had a small (less than 10 kWh) onboard EV battery, with a real-world range less than 20 miles. Though the claimed WLTP electric range (38 miles) for the Mazda CX-80 PHEV is an improvement from the earlier PHEVs, it is a marginal improvement.

The plug-in hybrid CX-80 has a 17.8 kWh (355V) onboard lithium-ion EV battery. The Mazda sibling, the CX-60 PHEV also has a 17.8 kWh battery. In fact, there is much more in common in the underpinnings between the Mazda CX-80 and Mazda CX-60, to include the powertrains.

Adjusting for real-world driving conditions, expect an electric range up to 30 miles on a full charge for the CX-80 PHEV. Adequate, but certainly not inspiring. The manufacturer should have considered a slightly larger onboard EV battery to achieve a longer e-range. For those new to electric cars, a number of factors can impact the manufacturers published WLTP e-range. Some of these include: driving profile, road conditions, weather, temperature, payload, passengers etc. As an example, the heavier the vehicle, the shorter the electric range. A practical tip is to make certain the boot is clear of items that do not need to be carried!

The Mazda CX-80 PHEV does not offer DC charging capability, but this is the case with the majority of plug-in hybrids, given the small size of the EV battery. The EV incorporates a single-phase onboard AC charger. The EV can be charged from 0%-100% in 2 hours and 20 minutes via a dedicated smart residential EV charger. We encourage the use of a solar compatible smart EV charger, like myenergi zappi, along with an on-site PV system and energy storage system.

At e-zoomed we offer very attractive home solar & home battery storage bundle offers of varying sizes and budgets. Of course, solar and battery storage can also power your home and further reduce the household energy bills and emissions footprint! Enquire today for a hassle-free quotation!

The Mazda CX-80 was revealed in April 2024. The EV interior cabin is based on the Japanese philosophy ‘Ma’, to create a sense of a calm and peaceful journey! In terms of size, the mid-sized CX-80 PHEV is larger than the five-seater CX-60 PHEV. The CX-80 is 4.9m long and 1.7m tall. In comparison, the CX-60 is 4.7m long and 1.6m tall. A better comparison is with the all-electric best-selling seven-seater Kia EV9. The EV9 is 5m in length and 1.7m in height! Despite the three-rows, the CX-80 PHEV offers decent legroom and headroom, to include, the 3rd row!

The CX-80 PHEV is available in both, a 6-seat and 7-seat configuration (the third-row has a maximum of 2 seats). The PHEV has a up to 687 L in boot space. If the second and third row seats are folded, then the maximum available cargo space increases to 1,971 L. The exterior styling of the CX-80 is also similar to the CX-60. Mazda has used its award winning Kodo – Soul of Motion design language for the PHEV. We believe it works well!

The EV offers the following safety features as standard on all variants: blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and vehicle exit warning, driver monitoring, road keep assist, blind spot assist, oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist, front cross traffic alert, hill descent control, lane-keep assist system with lane departure warning system and traffic sign recognition. Also as standard are: 12.3” colour centre display and wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. The panoramic sunroof only comes as standard on the more expensive trims!

The all-wheel drive (AWD) 2.5 e-SKYACTIV CX-80 PHEV incorporates a four-cylinder 2.5-litre engine. The EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds (maximum power: 327 ps/ torque: 500 Nm). The top speed of the PHEV is 121 mph. The EV incorporates the Mazda Mi-DRIVE (Intelligent Drive Select System). Some of these modes include: Sport, Off-Road, Towing and EV mode. We encourage using the EV mode as often as possible! The manufacturer claims up to 176.6 mpg.

In the real-world to get anywhere close to the claimed mpg, the PHEV will need to be driven as much as possible on electric mode. Do keep in mind that if the PHEV is driven primarily using the onboard internal combustion engine (ICE) then the real-world fuel economy will be similar to the conventional petrol variant. So best to keep the onboard battery charged on a regular basis, so that the full benefits of a PHEV can be leveraged.

The Mazda CX-80 plug-in electric SUV has tailpipe emission up to 36g CO2/km. Not class-leading but certainly lower than the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. the PHEV is available in 5 grades, with Takumi Plus being the top trim. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax charge for electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs), to include, Salary Sacrifice, via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!



PROS CONS
An affordable PHEV Limited real-world electric range compared to some competitors
All-wheel drive (AWD) as standard Tailpipe emissions not as low other class-leading PHEVs
Up to 7 seats (three-rows) Top trims expensive

Gallery


The Mazda CX-80 Plug-In Hybrid SUV (credit: Mazda)


At A Glance
EV Type: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type: SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): Not Available
Engine: Petrol/ Electric
Available In UK: Yes

Variants (5 Options)
Mazda CX-80 PHEV Exclusive-Line (from £48,920)
Mazda CX-80 PHEV Homura (from £52,070)
Mazda CX-80 PHEV Homura Plus (from £54,720)
Mazda CX-80 PHEV Takumi (from £53,020)
Mazda CX-80 PHEV Takumi Plus (from £55,670)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type: Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity: Available in one battery size: 17.8 kWh (177.5 kg)
Charging: DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 7.2 kW (0%-100%: 2 hrs 20 mins)
Charge Port: Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions: 35 – 36g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh £1.27
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh £1.67
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh £1.73
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh £1.89
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh £2.03
  • Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
  • Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge

Dimensions
Height (mm): 1710
Width (mm): 1890
Length (mm): 4995
Wheelbase (mm): 3120
Turning Circle (m): 12.4
Boot Space (L): 258 – 687
Frunk (L): N/A

2.5 e-SKYACTIV PHEV
EV Battery Capacity: 17.8 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): 38 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (miles/kWh): 2.6
Fuel Consumption (mpg): 176.6
Charging: DC charging not available. Onboard charger: 7.2 kW (0%-100%: 2 hrs 20 mins)
Top Speed: 121 mph
0-62 mph: 6.8 seconds
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW): 241
Horsepower (ps): 327
Torque (Nm): 500
Transmission: Automatic
Seats: Up to 7
Doors: 5
Kerb Weight (kg): 2,165 / 2,216
Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): 2,500
Colours: 9
NCAP Safety Rating: N/A

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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