Electrogenic Offers Electric Conversion Kit for First-Gen Mazda MX-5

Calling all first-generation Mazda MX-5 owners yearning for a greener and more powerful ride! Electrogenic, a UK-based company specializing in electric vehicle conversions, has unveiled a plug-and-play kit specifically designed for your beloved roadster.

This isn’t your typical performance upgrade. Ditch the traditional bolt-on options like superchargers and turbos; Electrogenic offers a future-proof solution with an electric heart.

Simple Installation, Big Performance Boost

Remember those intricate engine swaps or messy modifications? Forget them. Electrogenic utilizes CAD modeling to ensure all components perfectly fit within the existing engine bay and tunnel. No cutting or drilling is required, and trained mechanics can complete the conversion in just a few days. Worried about changing your mind? The kit is fully reversible, allowing you to return to the original setup if desired.

Now, let’s talk performance. The standard 1.6-liter engine delivers 116 hp. Electrogenic’s electric motor pumps out a whopping 160 hp, translating to a 0-60 mph time of just 6 seconds – a three-second improvement! The top speed might be slightly lower at 115 mph, but for a car known for its thrilling corners, raw acceleration takes precedence.

Improved Handling and Practicality

Electrogenic emphasizes that the weight distribution remains unchanged, maintaining the MX-5’s legendary cornering prowess. However, torque sees a massive jump from 100 lb-ft to 229 lb-ft, giving you more opportunities to push the car’s limits.

Sure, the conversion adds 220 lbs, but the final curb weight of 2,425 lbs is still lighter than a 2025 Miata RF and only slightly heavier than the current soft-top model. Plus, multiple driving modes offer flexibility to tailor the power delivery and energy regeneration to your driving style.

Range and Cost Considerations

The 42 kWh battery offers a 150-mile range, which might seem modest compared to modern EVs. However, it’s likely enough for most single-session drives in an MX-5, and the battery can be fully charged in just one hour.

This is a niche market, and the price reflects that. The cost of the kit (yet to be revealed) will likely be north of $20,000, which might be difficult to justify on a car with a resale value of $15-20,000. Additionally, some might miss the joy of the MX-5’s signature manual transmission.

Electrogenic has tackled manual conversions in the past, so don’t rule it out entirely. With Porsche and Alpine embracing electric sports cars, Electrogenic’s kit is a glimpse into the future. We expect to see more classic car conversions like these in the coming years.

So, the question remains: would you trade your classic MX-5’s roar for an electric revolution?