Are you captivated by the charm of a first-gen Mazda MX-5 Miata, but not so much by its traditional gas engine? Electrogenic, celebrated for its electric DeLorean kit, now offers a new solution: an electric conversion kit for this beloved roadster. This might stir some debate among purists, as the Miata is cherished for being a modern Lotus Elan—without the reliability issues. Let's take a closer look at what Electrogenic offers before drawing any conclusions.
The kit adds roughly 220 pounds, which is about a 10% increase for the heavier 1.8-liter models. This is significant for a car that barely tips over a ton.
The 120-kW electric motor provides 158 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, offering a 19% increase in power and double the torque of the original engine. The 0-60 mph time is now just 6 seconds, delivering impressively brisk acceleration.
Electrogenic claims to preserve the original weight distribution while lowering the powertrain's center of gravity, which helps minimize the impact on handling.
With 42 kWh batteries replacing the original engine, the Miata boasts a 150-mile driving range. Fast charging via CCS takes about an hour, but spirited driving will likely impact this range.
Electrogenic hasn't revealed the price for the Miata kit yet, but it may start around $19,000, similar to their classic Mini kit. It's a self-install kit, with costs comparable to those of a V-8 or forced induction upgrade.
Electrogenic offers a bolt-in, reversible kit, aiming to preserve the Miata's fundamental essence. Still, gasoline packs more energy than lithium-ion batteries. The ultimate test is in the driving experience: Can an electric MX-5 truly capture the Miata’s spirit? We're eager to find out.
Summary: Electrogenic's electric conversion kit for the Mazda Miata adds weight but also power, boosting the 0-60 time to just 6 seconds. While range and cost might be concerns, the kit strives to preserve the iconic Miata experience. Whether it truly retains the soul of the roadster is yet to be seen.
