UK: An electric Mazda MX-5 - is that allowed?
The company Electrogenic offers a conversion kit for the NA, but it can be retrofitted
For probably 98 per cent of classic car enthusiasts, converting old cars to electric drive is an absolute sacrilege, but the British company Electrogenic makes a living from the remaining two per cent. Jason Momoa's 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II was electrified there. Now it's the turn of the first generation of the Mazda MX-5.
The conversion kit utilises Electrogenic's drive technology and integration software to create, according to the quote, "an exciting, agile rear-wheel drive electric vehicle." Thanks to the packaging and the use of state-of-the-art components in OEM quality, the electrified MX-5 weighs only 100 kg more than the original vehicle with combustion engine (approx. 1,100 kg). The weight distribution of the MX-5 remains identical, while the power-to-weight ratio has been improved by 21 per cent.
Gallery: Electrogenic EV conversion kit for Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 package extends Electrogenic's comprehensive range of electric car conversion kits, which already includes options for the DeLorean DMC-12, the Jaguar E-Type, the Porsche 911 and the classic Mini as well as the Land Rover Defender and Series models. The kit is available for the first generation MX-5/Miata (NA) and is offered worldwide through a network of approved installation partners. As with all Electrogenic EV conversions, it is fully reversible.
Steve Drummond. Electrogenic CEO, says: "We are delighted to introduce the latest addition to our world-leading range of plug-and-play electric car conversion kits. We've long been intrigued by the concept of a lightweight, well-balanced, electrified modern classic with rear-wheel drive that really delivers the old-school thrill.
Apparently we weren't the only ones, as we've received a lot of interest in the idea of an MX-5 conversion over the years. It's exciting to finally show our creation to the world and give MX-5 fans the opportunity to electrify one of the most popular sports cars in history."
Electrogenic EV conversion kit for Mazda MX-5
The EV package has been designed from the outset to be easy to install - and can be fitted by a trained mechanic in just a few days. Electrogenic's team of engineers, programmers and designers developed the electric powertrain to fit into the existing structure of the MX-5. CAD models and clever solutions were used to maximise the available space.
To develop the package, an MX-5 was 3D scanned and the battery assembly was customised to fit. The resulting conversion kit contains brand new batteries with 42 kWh capacity under the bonnet. The batteries are also installed in the rear in place of the fuel tank; the boot remains untouched, so its capacity remains the same.
The carefully optimised battery installation is made possible by the highly efficient battery mounting system developed by Electrogenic, which offers unrivalled installation flexibility and energy density.
Electrogenic EV conversion kit for Mazda MX-5
Electrogenic engineers have also ensured that the battery mass is as low as possible in the car to keep the low centre of gravity. As with all Electrogenic conversions, the original structure of the MX-5 is fully retained; nothing is cut or drilled and the installation is fully reversible.
The batteries feed a compact, powerful motor that transmits 160 PS to a fixed ratio single-speed gearbox and delivers 2,500 Nm of torque to the rear wheels (310 Nm at the crankshaft). The conversion can be carried out for both the MX-5 with manual and automatic transmission.
This makes the electrified MX-5 significantly more lively on the road. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes around 6 seconds, and the top speed is 115 mph, just like the original. Thanks to its low weight and the newly gained torque, the MX-5 can be accelerated effortlessly at any speed and offers outstanding flexibility, according to Electrogenic.
Electrogenic EV conversion kit for Mazda MX-5
Electrogenic has spent a lot of time refining the software calibration of the electric MX-5 and optimising the way it drives and performs.
The in-house Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) technology is designed to ensure the myriad components of the EV powertrain work in harmony, with expertly judged controls and natural throttle response.
The flexibility and control offered by Electrogenic's proprietary VCU software has also allowed Electrogenic's engineers to highly configure the MX-5's driving behaviour. Each kit will come with a range of selectable driving profiles to suit different scenarios, from a range-enhancing 'Eco' mode to a sharpened 'Sport' setting for maximum power and more direct throttle response.
The kit also features a carefully calibrated brake booster to support the standard disc brakes, which gets progressively stronger as you move through the driving modes up to Sport. The converted MX-5 has a range of over 150 miles and can be charged within an hour via CCS. Electrogenic is not commenting on the price of the conversion.
More Mazda MX-5:
Source: Electrogenic
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