Mazda’s first fully-electric vehicle (EV) model, the Mazda MX-30 would be launched in Malaysia by Q4 2022 and it is one of the most radical-looking EVs out there. The electric crossover with a name inspired by its legendary roadster stablemate and doors that open out like one of the last rotary sports cars has been given a mild update in Europe.

The looks remain unchanged as does the battery capacity – a small 35.5 kWh battery with a 200 km range (Europe WLTP) – along with the electric motor that makes 145 PS/271 Nm. Rather, the difference between the 2022 update and its pre-update models is the charger support.

The 2022 update allows the MX-30 to be charged at AC chargers that support up to 11 kW (up from 6.6 kW) and fast-charging DC stations with up to 50 kW capacity (from 40 kW previously).

Having a higher charger capacity support means quicker charging times and in the case of the MX-30’s higher maximum power, the charging time (from 0-80%) only takes 26 minutes! By comparison, the pre-update MX-30 has a charging time of 36 minutes.

Also read: Confused by EV terms? Here's everything you need to know

The MX-30 uses a European format Type 2 socket for AC charging and CC2 for DC fast charging. Having a smaller battery might also mean less range compared to the competition but this isn’t some long-range EV, it’s built for urban driving.

Also read: What is CHAdeMO and CCS? Everything you need to know about charging EVs

Still, it might be a costly city runabout with fancy doors. Though prices will only be announced later, it is estimated that the Malaysia-bound MX-30 could be priced at around RM 200,000 and it will only be sold at selected Mazda outlets. It's also unclear whether this update could be launched in Malaysia but for now it's only for Europe.

Also read: It’s here! The fully electric Mazda MX-30 EV will be launching in Malaysia by Q4 2022