The EV-Swapped Electrogenic Mazda MX-5

EVs are booming at the moment, and I’ve said before they are here to stay. But, I say this again too; they are a part of the solution to a global problem, but not the solution. And whenever it involves adding extra doses of fun into cars or preserving classics for future generations, we can certainly get behind the EV movement. Heck, with companies like The Land Rovers and AC Cars taking on the challenge of converting icons such as the Defender and AC Ace to electric drive, we’re not complaining. It’s a way to keep them on the road, despite ever-stringent emissions regulations and whatnot. So, when the news of a do-it-yourself EV-conversion kit for the mighty Mazda MX-5 (or Miata for our US readers) we certainly took notice! 

a modern-day icon

The MX-5 or Miata by Mazda has always been a prime example of a fun car. A 50-50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, an open-top driving experience, a good bit of power but nothing crazy, and solid reliability pretty much made it the perfect modern ‘British Roadster‘. Just not from, well, Britain. The MX-5 is in its fourth generation currently, with the first NA generation being put on the road in 1989 already. It almost immediately caught the attention of driving enthusiasts for its balanced chassis and engaging driving experience. Oh, and the pop-up headlights, the coolest of all headlights, also didn’t hurt! The original MX-5 came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing about 110bhp, although a slightly more powerful 1.8-litre engine was introduced midway during its lifecycle.

The second NB generation, introduced in 1998 was pretty much more of the same, albeit with updated and smoother exterior styling. In essence, it still was the same “total package” roadster the NA-gen MX-5 proved to be. Sadly, the headlights were now fixed due to safety regulations. Power ranged from approx. 110bhp to 180bhp for the Mazdaspeed (the brand’s performance-division) depending on the engine and trim level. This NB-designated MX-5 was replaced by the NC model in 2005, with a modernized design and a folding hard-top option added to the line-up. Purists could still opt for the soft top, but Mazda cleverly increased the car’s versatility with the new optional tin top. The NC generation received further technical upgrades and a bit more power from new engines; a 1.8-litre four-pot with 126bhp or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with up to 203bhp.

In 2015 it was time for a big update once more, as Mazda launched the current ND-generation. While it is still considered an excellent driver’s car, the current MX-5 has lost a little of the magic of the original one I feel. Mazda also introduced the MX-5 RF, with a coupé-like body style, making it more of a Targa-top than a true Roadster. In appearance at least, as the back window also folds down. Engine type and power also changed, as it now starts with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 130bhp, up to a 184bhp strong 2.0-litre unit. Despite all the updates and evolutions, one thing has always remained a focal point for Mazda and its MX-5; weight! From generation to generation, a lot of effort was put into the car to keep it light. From the first to the fourth generation, the weight has always hovered between 1,000 and 1,100kgs.

the Electrogenic mx-5

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of the MX-5/Miata lineage, it’s time to turn to Electrogenic. This UK-based team of specialists has dedicated itself to converting a range of classic and iconic automobiles to electric drive, as hinted at by its name. Founded in 2018, the company is headquartered in Oxford, United Kingdom. What Electrogenic does can be split into two things; bespoke work, or drop-in kits. The first is fairly simple. Contact Electrogenic, say you want to convert your classic car to electric power, wait a bit and take delivery of your new EV. This can be anything from old Rolls-Royces, to Jaguars and Porsches or whatever you potentially want to wheel into Electrogenic’s workshop. The company has also attracted A-list clientele, as Aquaman star Jason Momoa has entrusted Electrogenic to convert his 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II to electric power!

The drop-in kits are another interesting element of Electrogenic’s work and are equally self-explanatory. What the company has done is develop several EV kits that can be fitted to predetermined cars with relative ease. If you’re a bit of a handyman with a spanner and pliers, you could potentially do it yourself. If you feel a little less confident perhaps, Electrogenic works with a global network of partners that can do (some or all) of the work for you. Again, a fairly simple concept, don’t you think? These kits come pre-prepared for a wide range of cars, including the Delorean DMC-12, the Jaguar E-Type, the Porsche 911, various types of Land Rovers, and of course the beloved Mini.

Now though, the company has developed a drop-in kit for the Mazda MX-5, the most modern car in its arsenal to offer it for. The kit is specifically developed to be fitted to the first-gen NA MX-5 but can also be adjusted to be installed in NB-gen models. The added weight is about 100kgs, yet the weight distribution isn’t affected. And given the fact the new direct-drive train makes 160bhp, the power-to-weight ratio is better than a standard MX-5 offers! The one drawback perhaps, is the lower range compared to an ICE MX-5, as the kit uses a 42kwh battery pack with a range of 150 miles (approx. 240kms).

The drivetrain is cleverly incorporated into the MX-5s compact frame, with the batteries placed in the front and the back of the chassis. Basically they are put in the location of the engine up front, and the fuel tank in the back, which is why the 50-50 balance of the car remains untouched. The instant torque gives a converted MX-5 a zero-to-60mph (100kph) time of about six seconds, which is well over 2,5 seconds faster than with the original drivetrain. The top speed is said to be 115mph, or 185kph, which is pretty similar to what it was before the swap. The kit includes all the bits and bobs you would need, including electronic components to repurpose the existing dash and instruments.

At what cost does it come, I hear you ask? Well, the financial burden is a bit difficult to pinpoint as Electrogenic hasn’t confirmed a price for the kit as of yet. However, judging on the work involved it’s fair to say this one isn’t going to be your next million-dollar Restomod conversion. The MX-5 or Miata donor car is not included in the eventual price. One thing to note though, is that the conversion is fully reversible! So should you get tired of whizzing around in your EV-MX-5, you can always go back to your ICE-MX-5!

For more information, please visit Electrogenic.co.uk.

Editorial Note: The information used for and images portrayed in this article are sourced from and used with permission of Electrogenic, unless stated otherwise.