Here’s How Much it Costs To Charge The Mazda CX-90 PHEV

The Mazda CX-90 is the brand’s first venture into the world of plug-in hybridization, with more examples set to follow suit. Its first venture into PHEV production is a stellar one, as the three-row SUV covers several criteria, including performance, interior space, standard specification, and comfort. On the efficiency front, it doesn’t fare as well as more established PHEVs. This is partially due to its larger engine and high-performance output.

The CX-90 PHEV features a compact battery pack, so it does benefit from lower charging costs. You have to deal with limited electric range, but for an urban or extra-urban daily driver, it performs pretty decently. These are all the charging costs you’ll have to be aware of if you’re keen on purchasing a new Mazda CX-90 PHEV.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mazda’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, U.S. Bureau of Labor And Statistics, and the EPA.

The CX-90 Is Mazda’s First PHEV

The CX-90 is the first plug-in hybrid option from the Japanese manufacturer, which has mastered the art of efficient naturally aspirated engines via its Skyactiv-G technology. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine boasts a 13.0:1 compression ratio, which is one of the highest achieved by a non-force-induction unit. The result is 189 horsepower and 192-pound-feet of torque output when operating independently.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Mazda)

A 68 kW compact electric motor supports the powertrain with an additional 173 horsepower and 199 pound-feet, but the system maxes out at a combined 232 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. Joining this is an all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission. Mazda claims a 6.2-second 0-60 MPH acceleration time and limits top speed to 130 MPH. Tests prove this to be conservative, as some independent reviewers have scored times as fast as 5.9 seconds.

The Mazda CX-90 Costs $6.22 To Charge

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor And Statistics, the national cost of electricity currently sits at 17 cents per kWh. St. Louis and Seattle are two cities that benefit from the lowest energy costs, at 13 cents per kWh. San Diego and San Francisco are some of the more expensive areas, where energy can cost you up to 42 cents for every kWh. These rates are slightly lower during off-peak hours, which are typically between 11 PM and 6 AM, when most people charge.

Mazda CX-90 Charging Costs

Using these rates, we can confirm that the CX-90 PHEV’s 14.8 kWh battery costs $1.92 to recharge in low-rate states and $6.22 to charge in the most expensive areas. The national average rate sits at $2.52. The CX-90 is compatible with most public Level Two charging stations.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Takes Six Hours To Charge

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV features a 17.8 kWh battery, of which you can only use 14.8 kWh. The EPA estimates this battery covers 26 miles on a single charge, which is just about enough to accommodate the average American road user’s daily commute. Its efficiency levels aren’t anything to be amazed about either, as the EPA estimates it returns 24/27/25 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle and 56 MPGe when running on gasoline and electric power.

Mazda CX-90 Range And Charging Time

The CX-90 PHEV features a 7.2 kW onboard charger, meaning it’ll take six hours and 40 minutes to recover 20 to 80 percent of the battery’s charge via a 120-volt Level One household plug point. 240-volt Level Two charging cuts this down to one hour and 30 minutes. The CX-90’s compact battery design prohibits Level Three DC fast charging.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Costs $49,945

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV range starts at $49,945 for the base Preferred trim, $54,400 for the Premium trim, and $57,450 for the flagship Premium Plus derivative. All trims feature a portable charging cable limited to 120 volts. Mazda doesn’t manufacture a Level Two cable, but it suggests sourcing one from ChargePoint. ChargePoint is Mazda’s official charging partner and sells its Level Two Home Flex Hardwire box for $549, excluding installation costs, which can range between $800 and $2,000, depending on your location.

• Mazda and ChargePoint have partnered to offer a faster charging option for Mazda electrified vehicles.
• The partnership includes access to the ChargePoint Home Flex, which provides up to 50 Amps and charges up to nine times faster.
• Mazda owners can use the ChargePoint app to schedule charging, track all their charging in one place, and find places to charge away from home.
• The ChargePoint Home Flex is UL-listed for safety, ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency, and backed by a three-year warranty.
• Mazda partners with Qmerit, which guides the professional installation of the new ChargePoint Home Flex.
• Customers praise the ChargePoint Home Flex for its fast and convenient charging, easy installation, and excellent customer service.

ChargePoint doesn’t supply mobile Level Two charging cables, but you can purchase one of these from several reputable third-party suppliers for around $400. You can use the brand’s MyMazda app to monitor the CX-90’s battery charge level and estimated range, as well as search for available charging stations.

Mazda Covers The CX-90 PHEV’s Battery For Eight Years

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV features the brand’s standard limited warranty. This covers the powertrain for 60 months or 60,000 miles, while the battery system benefits from a comprehensive eight-year or 100,000-mile coverage. Joining this is a 36-month or 36,000-mile roadside assistance service.

Mazda is new to the PHEV game, so there’s no indication as to how reliable its electrical systems are. The brand benefits from a very good overall reliable reputation, so there’s no reason to believe that the CX-90 won’t follow suit. It currently charges $3,302.15 for the CX-90’s complete battery unit if you ever need to exchange the pack outside the manufacturer’s warranty.

The Mazda CX-90 PHEV Can Tow Up To 3,500 Pounds

The CX-90’s hybrid system results in a limited 3,500-pound towing capacity, primarily due to the weighty all-wheel drive PHEV system, which brings the SUV’s curb weight figure up to 5,243 pounds. The naturally aspirated drivetrain’s lower torque figure also contributes to its mediocre towing abilities. To access towing, you need to opt for the CX-90’s $700 Essential Tow package, which includes a trailer hitch and harness.

With all seats folded up, the CX-90 accommodates 14.9 cubic-feet of cargo space. You can extend this to 40 cubic-feet by folding the third row down and 74.2 cubic-feet by reclining the second row. The entire cabin holds 141.6 cubic-feet of space. If you opt for the second-row’s Captain Chair layout, trunk space increases by one cubic-foot. Mazda offers a broad catalog of cargo equipment, suiting various storage needs.