Despite being 100 kilos heavier, Electrogenic’s battery-powered Miata shaves 3 seconds off the original’s zero-to-97-km/h time
- Electrogenic’s new EV conversion kit for the first-gen Mazda Miata has the bonus of being totally reversible
- But why would you switch back when the EV’s zero-to-97-km/h sprint is 3.0 seconds quicker than original?
- The battery range of the electric Miata is estimated at 240 kilometres (150 miles)
Referred to as a plug-and-play package, the kit features proprietary powertrain technology that adds just 100 kg (220 lbs) of weight to the vehicle in a way that does not change the weight distribution. However, the 42-kWh battery pack improves the power-to-weight ratio by 21%, and shaves a full three seconds off the little drop-top’s zero-to-97-km/h sprint, making it just 6.0 seconds.
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The real compromise here is the full-charge range, with Electrogenic pegging the number at approximately 240 kilometres (150 miles). That said, the powertrain does allow for fast-charging capability.
Electrogenic allows owners to swap the internal-combustion-engine workings back in after the EV conversion has been completed by configuring the kit so that no holes are drilled, nor any existing parts cut to fit the battery components and electric powertrain. And to maintain that original weight distribution — which makes the Miata such a fun and able car to drive — the batteries are placed under the hood and under the rear trunk deck, the latter ones replacing the fuel tank.
Also key to maintaining that fun-to-drive factor is a bespoke Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) that captures the gas Miata’s distinctive throttle response and provides a Sport and Eco mode, something the original did not have. Pricing has not been released on the conversion kit.
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