Electrogenic: Mazda MX-5 electric – it only weighs 1,100 kilograms!

Why is Mazda still tinkering with it? The British conversion specialist Electrogenic promises for the converted E-MX-5 "a similar weight to the original vehicle," but with improved performance. Thanks to instantly available torque, it is said to be more fun to drive than ever before.

The kit uses Electrogenic's drive technology and software suite to create an exciting, agile rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle. Thanks to intelligent packaging and the use of cutting-edge, OEM-compatible components, the electrified MX-5 is expected to weigh only 100 kilograms more than the original combustion engine vehicle, with a total weight of around 1,100 kilograms. The weight distribution of the MX-5 remains unchanged, while the power-to-weight ratio is improved by 21 percent.

The MX-5 package expands Electrogenic's comprehensive range of EV conversion kits, which already include options for the DeLorean DMC-12, Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911, classic Mini, as well as the Land Rover Defender and series models.

The kit is available for the MX-5/Miata Mk1 and is offered worldwide through Electrogenic's network of certified installation partners. Like all EV conversions by Electrogenic, it is fully reversible. Steve Drummond, CEO of Electrogenic, explains:

"We are delighted to introduce the newest addition to our world-leading 'plug-and-play' EV conversion kit range. The idea of a lightweight, well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive electrified modern classic has long fascinated us. It is exciting to present our creation to the world and give MX-5 fans the opportunity to electrify one of the most popular sports cars in history."

The EV package was designed from the outset to be easy to install – and can be fitted by a trained mechanic in just a few days. The team of engineers, programmers, and manufacturers at Electrogenic has carefully developed the electric drive solution to fit perfectly into the existing structure of the MX-5. This was achieved using CAD modeling and clever packaging to maximize the available space.

Good trick: The placement of the 42-kWh batteries

For the creation of the package, an MX-5 was 3D scanned and the battery unit precisely adapted accordingly. The resulting conversion kit includes batteries offering 42 kWh, housed in the engine compartment in place of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Additional batteries are installed in the rear area, replacing the fuel tank. The trunk remains unchanged, so the luggage volume stays the same.

If someone wants a combustion engine back, it can be reverted

The engineers at Electrogenic also ensured that the batteries are placed low in the vehicle to keep the center of gravity as low as possible – thus preserving the immediate driving characteristics of the MX-5. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the original structure of the MX-5 remains completely intact. Nothing is cut, bent, or drilled, and the installation is entirely reversible.

120 kW and 310 Nm – a statement for the MX-5

The batteries drive a compact, power-dense motor that delivers 160 hp (120 kW) to a single-stage fixed gear transmission. This transmits 2,500 Nm torque to the rear wheels (310 Nm at the crankshaft). The conversion can be carried out on both manual and automatic MX-5 models.

0 to 100 km/h in six seconds

Thanks to the power increase – from an original 116 hp in the original vehicle – the electrified MX-5 offers significantly more lively driving performance. According to Electrogenic, the sprint from 0-100 km/h is completed in about 6 seconds, and the car reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, similar to the original. With its extremely low weight and newly gained reserves of instant torque, the performance is always effortless – giving the MX-5 excellent flexibility at any speed. Thanks to the instantly available torque, the driving behavior of the rear-wheel-drive vehicle can be enjoyed even more easily.

Electrogenic has spent a lot of time refining the software calibration of the electric MX-5 and optimizing the way it drives and delivers its power. As with all Electrogenic EV conversions, the MX-5 stands out for the sophistication of its in-house developed software and the associated hardware integration.

"Natural driving behavior" like in a combustion engine

The proven and tested proprietary Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) technology from Electrogenic ensures that the numerous components of the EV powertrain work together in perfect harmony, allowing the converted MX-5 to offer OEM quality – with perfectly tuned controls and naturally perceived "throttle response."