Mazda Miata fans rejoice! EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has introduced a new “plug-and-play” conversion kit for the Mazda MX-5 that makes the original model all-electric. This EV conversion kit keeps the soul of the beloved Mazda Miata, but adds more performance and playfulness to a car that is already renowned for being a joy to drive.
The Mazda MX-5, known by many in North America as the Miata, is a two-door, RWD roadster introduced by the Japanese automaker in 1989. Since then, the Mazda Miata has seen four design generations and has become one of the best selling two-door sports cars of all time.
Over the past 35 years, the Miata has sold over one million units, and although production has ceased to make way for a fifth generation model, sales continue for the previous versions. The MX-5 has garnered a loyal fanbase of owners who recognize the value and performance the two-door brings and as much of the industry goes electric, many of those fans have been wondering when Mazda will deliver a Miata EV.
In 2023, the automaker shared the next generation of the Miata would be electrified, but has not specified whether that means hybrid, PHEV, or BEV. Regardless, that model is expected to debut in 2026 as a completely new take on the MX-5. For those traditionalists who love the original Mazda Miata, who can now convert it to 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 receive Electrogenic’s “plug-and-play” EV capabilities from a conversion kit that contains proprietary powertrain technology and an integration software suite.
We’ve previously seen Electrogenic adapt its EV conversion technology in a 1960s Jaguar E-Type, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, and most recently, the DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future. Now, Electreogenic has delivered the potential for a Mazda Miata EV—something many in the MX-5 community have pined for.
Electrogenic’s drop-in kit creates an EV version of the original Mazda Miata, a model that remains quite beloved despite being over 30 years old. Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond elaborated:
We’re delighted to introduce the latest addition to our world-leading range of ‘plug-and-play’, EV conversion kits. We’ve long been intrigued by the concept of a light, well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive electrified modern-classic, one that truly delivers when it comes to the old-school thrill of driving. It seems we weren’t alone, as we’ve received a great deal of interest in the idea of an MX-5 conversion 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 popular sports cars in history.
To enable Mazda Miata EV conversions, Electrogenic created a package that is straightforward to install and can be fitted by a trained mechanic in just a few days. To accomplish this, the MX-5 was 3D scanned so the EV 42 kWh OEM-grade battery assembly could be placed precisely under the hood where the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine was. Batteries were also installed in the rear, in place of the fuel tank, but Electrogenic was able to leave the trunk space untouched, so luggage capacity remains the same.
Per Electrogenic, the Mazda Miata EV conversion only weighs 100kg (221 lbs) more than the original ICE version (1,100kg). As such, the Miata EV’s weight distribution remains identical, while its power-to-weight ratio has been improved by 21%.
Top comment by Bunkermentality
Funnily enough, the OG Tesla roadster was an electrified ICE Lotus! And the Miata is a (loose) copy of another Lotus, the Elan.
The 42 kWh battery pack powers an electric motor that sends 160 hp (120kW) into a single-speed, fixed-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 converted MX-5 can reach a top speed of 115 mph.
Additionally, the Mazda Miata EV conversion delivers 150+ miles of range in real-world driving and can fast charge in one hour using a CCS plug.
The EV conversion can be applied to both manual and automatic MX-5s. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the Miata’s original structure is entirely preserved; nothing is cut or drilled, and the installation is entirely reversible.
The kit has been designed specifically for Mk1 MX-5/Miatas and is now available globally via Electrogenic’s network of vetted installer partners. Learn more here.
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