Mazda Miata followers rejoice! EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has launched a brand new “plug-and-play” conversion equipment for the Mazda MX-5 that makes the unique mannequin all-electric. This EV conversion equipment retains the soul of the beloved Mazda Miata, however provides extra efficiency and playfulness to a automotive that’s already famend for being a pleasure to drive.
The Mazda MX-5, identified 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 turn out to be the most effective promoting two-door sports activities vehicles of all time.
Over the previous 35 years, the Miata has bought over a million items, 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 business goes electrical, lots of these followers have been questioning when Mazda will ship a Miata EV.
In 2023, the automaker shared the subsequent technology of the Miata can be electrified, however has not specified whether or not meaning 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 equipment.
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 equipment 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 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 group have pined for.
Electrogenic’s drop-in equipment creates an EV model of the unique Mazda Miata, a mannequin that continues to be fairly beloved regardless of being over 30 years previous. 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 lightweight, 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 thought of an MX-5 conversion over time. It’s thrilling to lastly reveal our creation to the world and provides MX-5 followers the possibility to affect one of the crucial standard sports activities vehicles in historical past.
To allow Mazda Miata EV conversions, Electrogenic created a package deal that’s easy to put in and will be fitted by a skilled mechanic in only a few days. To perform this, the MX-5 was 3D scanned so the EV 42 kWh OEM-grade battery meeting may very well be positioned exactly below the hood the place the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was. Batteries had been additionally put in within the rear, instead of the gasoline tank, however Electrogenic was capable of depart 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 unique gasoline Miata and might propel the all-electric Mazda from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. Like the unique, the transformed MX-5 can attain a prime velocity of 115 mph.
Moreover, the Mazda Miata EV conversion delivers 150+ miles of vary in real-world driving and might 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 totally preserved; nothing is reduce or drilled, and the set up is totally reversible.
The equipment 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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