Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda MX-5 goes all-electric courtesy of UK conversion

A little bit more weight and a lot more power for the original roadster icon thanks to Electrogenic

Since its launch in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has established itself as the world’s most popular lightweight sports car – and now you can have an all-electric version of the Mk1 courtesy of UK conversion specialist Electrogenic.

The original MX-5, and its three successors since, have all delivered fantastic driving dynamics on account of their weight – or lack of it. But fans of the roadster furiously contemplating cease and desist letters needn’t worry unduly, because Electrogenic’s conversion only adds 100kg to the Mk1’s kerbweight, at around 1100kg. 

Furthermore, weight distribution remains a perfect 50:50, so it’s perfectly in line with Mazda’s philosophy of ‘jinba ittai’ (or “horse and rider as one”). Gone is the old naturally-aspirated twin-cam 1.6-litre four-cylinder, which was good for 116bhp and a 0-60mph time of 9.1 seconds. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The EV conversion sees a 42kWh battery installed to power a rear-mounted electric motor that puts out 160bhp and 310Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-60mph time of around six seconds. The top speed remains similar at 115mph. According to Electrogenic: “Thanks to the immediate torque, it is also easier than ever before to enjoy the convertible’s famed RWD handling balance.”

The battery is located in the rear, where the fuel tank used to be, so boot space remains untouched. The conversion is available on both automatic and manual cars, and there’s even a selection of driving modes from ‘Eco’ to ‘Sport’, plus brake regeneration. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Electrogenic claims a maximum range of 150 miles, and a one-hour recharge rate with a CCS connection. And aside from a speedometer needle that moves with more gusto than the petrol-powered MX-5 – plus a now defunct cut-out in the rear bumper from where the exhaust would protrude – Electrogenic’s MX-5 looks virtually indistinguishable from the original. 

Steve Drummond, Electrogenic CEO, said: “We’ve long been intrigued by the concept of a light, well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive electrified modern classic, one that truly delivers when it comes to the old-school thrill of driving. 

“It seems we weren’t alone, as we’ve received a great deal of interest in the idea of an MX-5 conversion over the years. It’s exciting to finally reveal our creation to the world and give MX-5 fans the chance to electrify one of the most popular sports cars in history.”

Although Electrogenic says the package is “cost-effective”, no price tag for the conversion has been revealed and it’s also not clear if you’ll need to supply an MX-5 donor car yourself. 

It’s not the first time Electrogenic has taken an iconic car and slotted in an EV powertrain. The Oxfordshire-based firm has made all-electric versions of the DeLorean DMC-12, Jaguar E-type, Porsche 911, a classic MINI and the Land Rover Defender.

Check out everything you need to know about electric classic car conversions here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2025
Best convertibles 2025 - header

Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2025

Love the feeling of the wind in your hair while driving? These are the cars for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Best new car deals 2025: all the top offers on today’s car market
Best new car deals - February 2025 header image

Best new car deals 2025: all the top offers on today’s car market

Fancy a brand new car and want to pay for it monthly, but don’t know where to start? We’ve scoured the market for the very best offers available right…
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
Three-car garage: Skoda Enyaq, Renault Megane R.S. and Mazda MX-5 for under £60,000
Three-car garage for £60,000

Three-car garage: Skoda Enyaq, Renault Megane R.S. and Mazda MX-5 for under £60,000

With a family EV, radical hot hatch and nippy roadster, this driveway collection can provide wheels for any occasion
Features
6 Apr 2025
New vs used sports cars: Mazda MX-5 or Porsche Boxster?
New Mazda MX-5 vs used Porsche Boxster - header

New vs used sports cars: Mazda MX-5 or Porsche Boxster?

Both of these cars offer plenty of fun and fresh air, but which model should you pick?
Car group tests
6 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025