The Mk1 Mazda MX-5 has been electrified with a 'plug and play' kit

Here’s an EV conversion that’s sure to ruffle some feathers: Electrogenic's latest foray, the Mk1 MX-5. We can feel the mood swinging from here, but before you close this window, could we interest you in some numbers?

160bhp, 229lb ft, 0-62mph in just over six seconds and a top speed of 115mph: that’s what this new ‘plug and play’ drop-in kit will boost your old timer to. For perspective, it’s an extra 45 horses and 129 torques, with 2.5s shaved off the run to dual carriageway speeds. Not earth-shattering by any means, but quick for something the size of a handbag.

The 42kWh worth of OEM-grade batteries equates to 150 miles of range, which can be regained within an hour at a CCS rapid charger. Those batteries fit snugly within the tiny roadster’s frame too (in place of the 1.6-litre four-pot and fuel tank), so no major surgery is required either. The whole process can be completed in a matter of days, apparently, and is reversible.

We know you’re probably mulling over the weight increase affecting the car’s dynamics by now, but what if we told you this kit only adds an extra 100kg? Better still, the performance bump means it actually has a superior power-to-weight ratio, and since the batteries sit low down, the centre of gravity remains unaffected.

There’s a light software update that comes with the kit too, so you’ll have different driving modes to choose from including ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’ - no need for explainers on what those do. You’ll even get regenerative braking bundled in for good measure.

“The MX-5 is celebrated as a global automotive icon with legions of fans all over the world,” says Electrogenic boss Steve Drummond. “We wanted to get this package just right. We’ve been careful to ensure the kits are well-judged in terms of performance without intimidating while preserving the inherent lightweight, rear-wheel drive character of the car.”

The kit will be available from April 2025 for both manual and automatic versions, with pricing to be confirmed closer to that time. Reckon you're sold?