Mazda Miata fans rejoice! EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has launched a new “plug-and-play” conversion kit for the Mazda MX-5 that makes the original model all-electric. This EV conversion kit retains the soul of the beloved Mazda Miata, but adds more performance and performance to a car that's known for being fun to drive.
The Mazda MX-5, known to many in North America as the Miata, is a two-door, RWD roadster introduced by the Japanese automaker in 1989. selling two-door sports cars for all seasons.
Over the past 35 years, the Miata has sold more than a million units, and although production has ceased for the fifth-generation model, sales continue in previous versions. The MX-5 has earned a loyal following of owners who recognize the value and performance the two-door brings and with much of the industry going electric, many of those fans have been wondering when Mazda will bring the Miata EV.
In 2023, the automaker shared that the next-generation Miata will be electrified, but it is not clear whether that means a hybrid, PHEV, or BEV. However, that model is expected to debut in 2026 as an all-new take on the MX-5. For those traditional enthusiasts who love the original Mazda Miata, they can now convert it into an EV using Electrogenic's new conversion kit.
Electrogenic future-proofs first-gen Mazda Miata as EV
The first-generation Mazda Miata (MX-5) is the latest vehicle to gain “plug-and-play” EV capabilities from a conversion kit featuring proprietary powertrain technology and integration software.
We've previously seen Electrogenic adapt its EV conversion technology to the 1960s Jaguar E-Type, the 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, and more recently, the DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future. Now, Electreogenic has powered the Mazda Miata EV—something many in the MX-5 community have been rooting for.
The Electrogenic installation kit creates an EV version of the original Mazda Miata, a model that remains popular despite being more than 30 years old. Electrogenic CEO, Steve Drummond, elaborated:
We are pleased to introduce the latest additions to our world-leading range of 'plug-and-play', EV conversion kits. We've long been fascinated by the concept of a light, well-balanced, modern electric rear-wheel drive, which really delivers when it comes to old-school driving pleasure. It seems we weren't alone, as we've gotten a lot of interest in the MX-5 conversion idea over the years. It's exciting to finally reveal our creation to the world and give MX-5 fans the chance to electrify one of the most iconic sports cars in history.
To power the Mazda Miata EV conversion, Electrogenic has created a package that is easy to install and can be installed by a qualified mechanic in just a few days. To achieve this, the MX-5 was 3D scanned so that the EV 42 kWh OEM-grade battery pack was placed neatly under the hood where the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was located. The batteries are also placed in the back, instead of the fuel tank, but Electrogenic managed to leave the trunk space untouched, so the luggage capacity remains the same.
Electrogenically, the modified Mazda Miata EV weighs only 100kg (221 lbs) than the original ICE version (1,100kg). As such, the Miata EV's weight distribution remains the same, while its power-to-weight ratio has been improved by 21%.
A 42 kWh battery pack powers an electric motor that sends 160 hp (120kW) to a single-speed, constant-ratio gearbox, delivering 2,500Nm of torque to the Miata's rear wheels. That EV power jumps from 116 hp in the original gas Miata and can propel the all-electric Mazda from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. Like the original, the modified MX-5 can reach a top speed of 115 mph.
Additionally, the Mazda Miata EV conversion delivers 150+ miles of real-world driving range and can be quickly charged in one hour using the CCS plug.
EV conversion can be used on both manual and automatic MX-5s. As with all Electrogenic modifications, the Miata's original structure has been completely preserved; nothing is cut or drilled, and the installation is completely reversible.
The kit is specially designed for the Mk1 MX-5/Miatas and is now available worldwide through Electrogenic's network of vetted installation partners. Read more here.
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