Short range EVs are great as commuter/secondary vehicles. They just need to be substantially cheaper. I still can't find anything cheaper than my 2018 Bolt, which was under 25k after tax credits. (and still cheaper than the Mazda EV before credits)
What are your daily range needs? I bought a used 2012 Nissan Leaf in 2015. The range on a very good day would probably have topped out at around 60 or 70 miles. However, for virtually every need I have, it's worked really really well, and I've been extremely happy with it.
We own a second, gas car for long trips, but if you don't have a need for a second vehicle, you can supplement this with ride sharing, or vehicle rental. Would I like more range? Sure, it wouldn't hurt. But do I need it? Really very rarely, and there are certainly options to charge mid-day if I do.
Going into the office is a 50 mile drive. The mazda might just work but there is no wiggle room which makes me uncomfortable. What if I need to run an errand on the way home? I'll pick a different electric or stick with gas until they can get their range issues fixed.
On one hand, their focus on tactile controls is a key differentiator for their brand.
On the other hand, it is very difficult for automotive companies to diverge from their peers, as we saw with their universal lemming-like cancellation of chip orders in 2020.
Weirdly Mazda MX-30 uses touchscreen for climate control. I tried it and of course it's pain to control. I don't understand why they adopt, maybe they want the model more special(exotic?). I want MX-30 for short-mid range use if UI is sane as like other Mazdas, and has 4WD.
