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

Used Car Hunter: exciting, inexpensive convertibles for £15,000
Car Hunter convertibles for under £15,000 - header image

Used Car Hunter: exciting, inexpensive convertibles for £15,000

Our Car Hunter has £15,000 to find a fun drop-top for the summer months, but which one?
Features
19 Mar 2025
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
17 Mar 2025
Best cars for £10,000 or less
Best used cars for £10,000 or less - header image

Best cars for £10,000 or less

£10,000 is a strong budget in the used car market, here are some of the best cars you can find
Best cars & vans
12 Mar 2025
Best rear-wheel drive cars 2025
Best rear-wheel drive cars

Best rear-wheel drive cars 2025

Rear-wheel drive is often praised as the drivetrain that delivers the most fun. Here we showcase the 10 best cars that do exactly that
Best cars & vans
6 Mar 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month
BYD Seal - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month

The BYD Seal is a Tesla Model 3 rival, and a very good one at that. It’s our Deal of the Day for 31 March
News
31 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hybrid-powered Peugeot 3008 for £208 per month
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Hybrid-powered Peugeot 3008 for £208 per month

Peugeot’s sharply styled and hybrid-powered family car can be leased for as little as £208 per month in this deal
News
30 Mar 2025
Skoda Enyaq review
Skoda Enyaq 85 - front

Skoda Enyaq review

If you're looking for an all-electric family SUV that will fit effortlessly into daily life, the Skoda Enyaq is an excellent choice
In-depth reviews
31 Mar 2025