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 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 turn into the most effective promoting two-door sports activities automobiles of all time.
Over the previous 35 years, the Miata has bought over a million models, and though manufacturing has ceased to make approach for a fifth era 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 following era 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 equipment.
Electrogenic future-proofs first-gen Mazda Miata as EV
The primary-generation Mazda Miata (MX-5) is the most recent automobile to obtain Electrogenic’s “plug-and-play” EV capabilities from a conversion equipment 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-Sort, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, and most just lately, 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an EV model of the unique Mazda Miata, a mannequin that is still fairly beloved regardless of being over 30 years outdated. Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond elaborated:
We’re delighted to introduce the most recent 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 relating to 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 over time. It’s thrilling to lastly reveal our creation to the world and provides MX-5 followers the prospect to impress some of the in style sports activities automobiles in historical past.
To allow Mazda Miata EV conversions, Electrogenic created a bundle that’s easy to put in and could 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 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, rather than the gas tank, however Electrogenic was in a position to 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 authentic fuel 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 high pace 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 could be utilized to each guide and automated MX-5s. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the Miata’s authentic construction is solely preserved; nothing is lower or drilled, and the set up is solely reversible.
The equipment 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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