Mazda Miata followers rejoice! EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has launched a brand new “plug-and-play” conversion package for the Mazda MX-5 that makes the unique mannequin all-electric. This EV conversion package retains the soul of the beloved Mazda Miata, however provides extra efficiency and playfulness to a automobile that’s already famend for being a pleasure to drive.
The Mazda MX-5, recognized by many in North America because the Miata, is a two-door, RWD roadster launched by the Japanese automaker in 1989. Since then, the Mazda Miata has seen 4 design generations and has change into top-of-the-line promoting two-door sports activities automobiles of all time.
Over the previous 35 years, the Miata has bought over a million models, and though manufacturing has ceased to make method for a fifth technology mannequin, gross sales proceed for the earlier variations. The MX-5 has garnered a loyal fanbase of householders who acknowledge the worth and efficiency the two-door brings and as a lot of the trade goes electrical, a lot of these followers have been questioning when Mazda will ship a Miata EV.
In 2023, the automaker shared the following technology of the Miata can be electrified, however has not specified whether or not which means hybrid, PHEV, or BEV. Regardless, that mannequin is anticipated to debut in 2026 as a totally new tackle the MX-5. For these traditionalists who love the unique Mazda Miata, who can now convert it to an EV utilizing Electrogenic’s new conversion package.
Electrogenic future-proofs first-gen Mazda Miata as EV
The primary-generation Mazda Miata (MX-5) is the most recent car to obtain Electrogenic’s “plug-and-play” EV capabilities from a conversion package that accommodates proprietary powertrain expertise and an integration software program suite.
We’ve beforehand seen Electrogenic adapt its EV conversion expertise in a Nineteen Sixties Jaguar E-Kind, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, and most just lately, the DeLorean DMC-12 from Again to the Future. Now, Electreogenic has delivered the potential for a Mazda Miata EV—one thing many within the MX-5 group have pined for.
Electrogenic’s drop-in package creates an EV model of the unique Mazda Miata, a mannequin that is still fairly beloved regardless of being over 30 years previous. Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond elaborated:
We’re delighted to introduce the most recent addition to our world-leading vary of ‘plug-and-play’, EV conversion kits. We’ve lengthy been intrigued by the idea of a lightweight, well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive electrified modern-classic, one that actually delivers in the case of the old-school thrill of driving. It appears we weren’t alone, as we’ve obtained quite a lot of curiosity within the concept of an MX-5 conversion over time. It’s thrilling to lastly reveal our creation to the world and provides MX-5 followers the prospect to affect one of the in style sports activities automobiles in historical past.
To allow Mazda Miata EV conversions, Electrogenic created a bundle that’s simple to put in and will be fitted by a educated mechanic in just some days. To perform this, the MX-5 was 3D scanned so the EV 42 kWh OEM-grade battery meeting might be positioned exactly underneath the hood the place the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was. Batteries have been additionally put in within the rear, rather than the gasoline tank, however Electrogenic was in a position to depart the trunk house untouched, so baggage capability stays the identical.
Per Electrogenic, the Mazda Miata EV conversion solely weighs 100kg (221 lbs) greater than the unique ICE model (1,100kg). As such, the Miata EV’s weight distribution stays an identical, whereas its power-to-weight ratio has been improved by 21%.
The 42 kWh battery pack powers an electrical motor that sends 160 hp (120kW) right into a single-speed, fixed-ratio gearbox, delivering 2,500Nm of torque to the Miata’s rear wheels. That EV energy jumps from 116 hp within the unique gasoline Miata and may propel the all-electric Mazda from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. Like the unique, the transformed MX-5 can attain a high pace of 115 mph.
Moreover, the Mazda Miata EV conversion delivers 150+ miles of vary in real-world driving and may quick cost in a single hour utilizing a CCS plug.
The EV conversion will be utilized to each handbook and automated MX-5s. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the Miata’s unique construction is completely preserved; nothing is minimize or drilled, and the set up is completely reversible.
The package has been designed particularly for Mk1 MX-5/Miatas and is now out there globally by way of Electrogenic’s community of vetted installer companions. Study extra right here.
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