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 grow to be among the best promoting two-door sports activities vehicles of all time.
Over the previous 35 years, the Miata has offered over a million models, and though manufacturing has ceased to make means for a fifth technology mannequin, gross sales proceed for the earlier variations. The MX-5 has garnered a loyal fanbase of homeowners who acknowledge the worth and efficiency the two-door brings and as a lot of the trade goes electrical, lots 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 newest car to obtain Electrogenic’s “plug-and-play” EV capabilities from a conversion package that incorporates proprietary powertrain expertise and an integration software program suite.
We’ve beforehand seen Electrogenic adapt its EV conversion expertise in a Sixties Jaguar E-Kind, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, and most not too long ago, 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 neighborhood have pined for.
Electrogenic’s drop-in package creates an EV model of the unique Mazda Miata, a mannequin that continues to be fairly beloved regardless of being over 30 years outdated. Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond elaborated:
We’re delighted to introduce the newest addition to our world-leading vary of ‘plug-and-play’, EV conversion kits. We’ve lengthy been intrigued by the idea of a light-weight, well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive electrified modern-classic, one that really delivers in terms of the old-school thrill of driving. It appears we weren’t alone, as we’ve acquired quite a lot of curiosity within the concept of an MX-5 conversion through the years. It’s thrilling to lastly reveal our creation to the world and provides MX-5 followers the prospect to impress one of the vital common sports activities vehicles in historical past.
To allow Mazda Miata EV conversions, Electrogenic created a bundle that’s easy to put in and may be fitted by a educated mechanic in only a few days. To perform this, the MX-5 was 3D scanned so the EV 42 kWh OEM-grade battery meeting could possibly be positioned exactly below the hood the place the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was. Batteries have been additionally put in within the rear, instead of the gasoline tank, however Electrogenic was in a position to go away the trunk area 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 equivalent, 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 authentic fuel 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 velocity 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 may be utilized to each handbook and computerized MX-5s. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the Miata’s authentic construction is totally preserved; nothing is reduce or drilled, and the set up is totally reversible.
The package has been designed particularly for Mk1 MX-5/Miatas and is now accessible globally through Electrogenic’s community of vetted installer companions. Be taught extra right here.
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