Wankel in the electric car: A small technical miracle

2023-10-22 04:04:00

KLAGENFURT. Mazda and the Wankel engine – a long history with many ups and downs. Because the rotary piston engine – see RX8 – consumes a lot of fuel at times. A lot of fuel. That’s why the ingenious invention never really caught on. But the Japanese are sticking to the principle, albeit in a different constellation.

In the MX-30 eSkyactive R-EV, a Wankel engine with a displacement of 830 cubic centimeters generates a maximum of 55 kW (75 hp). Thanks to various cleaning steps such as exhaust gas recirculation, catalytic converter and particle filter, the unit meets the Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emissions standard. A very good value for a rotary piston engine.

Solid, well thought-out interior with high-quality materials
Bild: Mazda

17.8-kWh-Battery

However, the Wankel engine does not drive the wheels, but rather a generator that produces electricity that is temporarily stored in a 17.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. This energy is used to supply an electric motor that produces 125 kW (170 hp). And therefore 20 kW (27 hp) more than the MX-30 EV, the fully electric version.

But why the range extender principle? It’s very clear, says Mazda: The Wankel engine runs smoothly and doesn’t produce any vibrations. During continuous operation, the machine works barely audibly. And run sparingly. The battery stores energy for 85 kilometers, then the Wankel engine starts. The fuel tank holds 50 liters. Together with the battery, the range is up to 680 kilometers, says Mazda. Of course: minus the electric range of 85 kilometers, that left 595 kilometers with 50 liters of fuel. That would be 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers. Conclusion: If you charge a lot and rarely use the combustion engine, you can actually drive economically – the classic plug-in hybrid system. The electric range is definitely suitable for everyday use. As are the charging powers: 11 kW (AC) or 36 kW (DC).