Easy EV Swaps Come to the Miata

If you’re after a lightweight electric sports car then, just as the internet always tells us, Miata is the answer.

That’s thanks to a new drop-in conversion kit from Electrogenic, adding to the ‘plug and play’ options the British specialist already offers for the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911, DeLorean DMC-12, and classic Mini.

For the NA or NB Miata, the original 1.6- or 1.8-liter engine gets swapped for a 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor fed by 42 kWh of batteries, which are mounted in the engine bay and in place of the fuel tank. In this way the car’s perfect 50:50 weight distribution is maintained. There is a hike of 220 lbs, but the extra oomph of electrons actually improves the Miata’s power-to-weight ratio by over 20 percent.

Electrogenic says this gives the e-Miata the ability to hit 60 mph from rest in a scant six seconds, along with a 115 mph top speed. Eco and Sport driving modes are offered and, if driven with a light foot and plentiful use of regenerative braking, 150 miles or more can be achieved on a full charge. Replenishing the batteries can be achieved in under an hour using CCS fast charging.

To keep the conversion process simple, the original manual or automatic transmission is retained.

 “The MX-5, or Miata, is celebrated as a global automotive icon, with legions of fans all over the world, so we’ve taken our time developing the range of EV conversion kits for it,” explains Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond. “We wanted to get this package just right. We’ve been careful to ensure that the kits are well judged in terms of performance, to thrill and delight without intimidating—while preserving the inherent lightweight, RWD character of the car.”

Just like the company’s other conversions the process is completely reversible, with no cutting or drilling required. Prices and installation information can be obtained from Electrogenic’s installer partners.