Mazda has received pre-orders of its Mazda MX-30 self-empowerment driving vehicle (SeDV) electric and hybrid car technology in Japan.
The acceptance of pre-orders for the disabled-friendly MX-30 comes before Mazda starts releasing it, which is planned for January 2022.
For information, Self-empowerment Driving Vehicle (SeDV) is one of the variants in the Welcab car lineup or a car that is friendly to people with disabilities.
Different from other Welcab variants, SeDV focuses on adapting driver controls so that they are easy to use for people with disabilities.
On the MX-30 SeDV, Mazda added accelerator control in the form of a ring on the steering column and a brake lever right next to the steering wheel.
The accelerator ring and brake lever are the main controls for disabled drivers who cannot operate the gas and brake pedals.
Not only the gas and brake pedals, Mazda also makes it easier to use car hazard lights by adding a hazard button on the brake lever.
Even though there are accelerator rings and brake levers, Mazda still installs conventional gas and brake pedals on the MX-30 SeDV.
Then how does it operate? When starting the car, if the Start & Stop button is pressed while pressing the brake lever, the conventional gas pedal will not function, thus preventing wrong footing.
On the other hand, if the Start & Stop button is pressed while stepping on the brake pedal, the gas pedal is active, not the accelerator ring.
In addition to the accelerator ring and brake lever, Mazda also provides the MX-30 SeDV cabin with a special arm rest for the hand that operates the brake lever and transfer board.
The transfer board is an additional seat component that makes it easier for the driver to get in and out of the wheelchair.
This component can be folded forward in one motion so it does not interfere with the performance of the side airbags in an accident.
Mazda MX-30 SeDV comes in a regular hybrid version or an MX-30 EV Model with an additional price of 528,000 yen
