Should Miatas be converted to electric power?
Electrogenic's kit for the NA Miata makes it possible, but is it right?
The thought of a Mazda MX-5 Miata EV brings up both good and bad images. The positives include a pollution-free propulsion system, even less maintenance than the typically trouble-free ICE Miata requires, and freedom from the tyranny of high gas prices.
The negatives include a massively heavy battery to lug around and the loss of that unique Miata balance and handling feel. 
A kit now lets you make your Miata into an EV
But what if you could have a Miata EV that keeps the car’s inherent balance, increases the horsepower, and adds a weight penalty equal to a single large passenger? A company in the UK has revealed a Miata EV conversion kit that can do just that.
Electrogenic, located in Kidlington, UK, recently revealed its “plug and play” electrification kit for the Mazda MX-5 Miata NA. It is the latest in a series of kits that are available to convert cars such as the Porsche 911, Jaguar E-type, classic Mini, Land Rover Defender, and DeLorean DMC-12 to EVs. The company also does custom projects, including its recent conversion of Jason Momoa’s 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II to electric power.
How does the Electrogenic Miata EV kit work?
The company’s conversion kit, which is said to be entirely reversible, requires no cutting or drilling of the Miata’s structure. All components of the kit, both software and hardware, are developed and integrated in-house by Electrogenic and are brand new. The ICE engine is replaced by a 42 kWh battery pack, with additional batteries replacing the fuel tank. This keeps all the battery weight low in the vehicle and preserves the original trunk space. The fuel filler becomes the charging port.
The compact 160-horsepower electric motor, a significant boost from the original’s 116 hp engine, drives the rear wheels through a single-speed, fixed-ratio gearbox. A drive-mode selector lets you choose Eco, Normal, or Sport settings. The regen braking adjusts based on the drive mode selected. The total weight added by the kit is 220 pounds (100 kg).
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The Miata EV's zero-to-60 mph time is around six seconds, and the top speed is the same at 115 mph. The range is estimated at 150 miles, which seems suitable for most Miata owners’ use cases.
Miata EVs can charge at a CCS rapid charger, which takes about one hour to recharge the car. The conversion can be done on Miatas with both manual and automatic transmissions, but either shift lever is likely to have no functional purpose in the completed Miata EV.
When will the Miata EV kit be available and what will it cost?
The company has not stated when the Miata EV kit will be available or what the cost is expected to be, but the kits will be available through their worldwide network of installer partners. There are four U.S. installers located in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, and California, as well as one in British Columbia, Canada. A call to one of them produced some tentative answers.
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Since the original Miata EV kit was developed for the UK market and its right-hand-steer cars, a few details need to be worked out for the left-hand-steer Miatas found on our shores, as well as in many other lands. The installer commented that the kits might be ready by spring 2025.
As far as cost, expect a ballpark price of $35,000 to $40,000, plus the donor car, according to the installer. This is based on the cost of converting other vehicles with the Electrogenic kits, as well as the fact that the components are custom-fitted for this application and are brand new, including the batteries. 
Final thoughts
So who is a candidate for Electrogenic's Miata EV conversion kit? There are likely to be some wealthy EV enthusiasts with fond memories of a past two-seater experience who might go for a lightweight electric sports car. It is also an admittedly expensive option for those whose beloved Miata NAs have engine problems and want to switch to an EV drivetrain.
It is unfortunate that NA Miatas have recently achieved collectible status as classic sports cars, making the nicest examples of them too valuable to convert, reversible or not. As nicely done as Electrogenic's kit appears, we will have to wait and see how many Miata owners will be willing to take the EV conversion route at this potential price point.
