If you reconsider, the conversion can be fully reversed.
As a former ND owner, I honestly can’t see why anyone would convert a Miata to electric. Yet, the reality is that someday, somewhere, the last drop of fuel will be pumped into a car. Then what? Unless synthetic fuels gain significant traction—a prospect that currently seems unlikely—we’ll all transition to EVs. British company Electrogenic is anticipating that future by offering electric conversions for various vehicles.
This MX-5 joins an eclectic lineup of cars converted by Electrogenic, including the Porsche 911, Land Rover Defender, Jaguar E-Type, DeLorean, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and even the unassuming 1993 Kia Pride. For those who might miss the character of the original naturally aspirated engine, the conversion is entirely reversible. The car’s original body remains untouched—no drilling or cutting required—ensuring the classic look is preserved.
Let’s dive into the technical details. Electrogenic states that the weight increase is limited to just 220 pounds (100 kilograms). This NA Miata now weighs around 2,425 pounds (1,100 kg), which is similar to the weight of a Miata RF. The weight distribution stays the same, but the power-to-weight ratio improves by 21%.
Electrogenic has installed a 42-kWh battery pack in the former engine bay, where the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter inline-four engine once resided. To avoid reducing the already limited cargo space, additional batteries are placed at the rear, where the fuel tank would normally be. Electrogenic claims they 3D scanned a first-gen Miata to optimize the packaging and develop a plug-and-play setup that fits seamlessly.
The electric motor delivers 160 horsepower and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. While some of Electrogenic’s other conversions retain the manual gearbox, this setup does not. The ICE-to-EV conversion is available for both manual and automatic NAs.
This first-gen Miata accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in about six seconds, which is quite respectable. Its top speed is limited to 115 mph (185 km/h), but speed has never been the MX-5’s strong suit or key selling point. The range is estimated at over 150 miles (241 kilometers), with a full charge taking around an hour. For those looking to extend the range, there’s an Eco mode, though it seems out of place in a Miata. The Sport mode, on the other hand, enhances performance and throttle response.
While the specs look impressive on paper, the Miata’s appeal has never been about numbers. The NA Miata comes from an era when sports cars prioritized mechanical engagement and a raw driving experience. Even today’s ND still captures the spirit of the original. Replacing the high-revving engine and manual transmission with an electric powertrain for a restomod takes away much of the car’s charm. While ICE-to-EV conversions can make sense for many vehicles, a Miata doesn’t seem to be one of them.
If the day ever comes when electric vehicles are the only option, converting the MX-5 into an EV might be a sensible choice to preserve its legacy. But for now, that day isn’t here yet.
