How to convert a 20-year-old car to electric
BBCA battery-powered conversion of the world's best-selling sports car has been produced by a small company in Oxfordshire.
A 20-year-old Mazda MX-5 has been switched to electric power by Electrogenic.
Two-thirds of the Kidlington company's total sales have been to America - equivalent to the rest of the world combined.
But its long-term ambitions lie in adapting second-hand cars in Africa.
The firm has developed a battery system and software that can be altered to fit almost any vehicle.
It can then be installed by any competent mechanic, and set up using bespoke software. So the work can be carried out in any garage.
Electrogenic has built several electric Jaguar E-type cars, as well as a VW Beetle. It has even converted a 1929 Rolls Royce to battery power for Hollywood actor Jason Momoa.
Founder and chief executive Steve Drummond said: "For a lot of people, the choice is about the environment. But the MX-5 has got more power. The power is immediate, and it drives beautifully: it is a lot of fun."
He also offers a kit for an original Mini.
"It comes on a front sub-frame, already mounted and tested. You put the wheels on, you bolt it into the car, wire up the dashboard, and drive away."
But the bigger success is a battery Land Rover.
"It's a lot smoother," explained systems engineer Alex Bavage. "And a lot quieter. Easier to drive, easier to maintain, easier to live with."
The company has also built four combat vehicles for the British military. They offer the advantage of low noise, ease of use in stressful situations, and a smaller thermal footprint for an enemy to identify.
And the vehicles can also be used to power other equipment.
In the six years since the company was launched, its 25 staff have built nearly 100 vehicles.
Their focus for 2025 is to expand further in the United States.
"But the next step is Africa," said Mr Drummond, who used to design nuclear power stations all over the world.
"Africa doesn't have oil. But it has a lot of sunshine.
"As legislation restricts our use of petrol and diesel cars, a lot of them will be sold to Africa.
"What they really need is a straightforward, low-cost and easy conversion to electric power for these old vehicles.
"So those vehicles are driving around Africa on solar energy and not contributing to climate change.
"That is my ultimate ambition, over a 10-year window."
What is the electric MX-5 like to drive?
It feels like an MX-5. But it definitely does not sound like an MX-5. It is faster. But it is not much quieter; the electric motor driving the rear wheels is noisy.
And it feels very odd to have power regeneration on the brakes, and no clutch or gearbox.
These low-cost, entry-level sports cars are all about being light, agile and playful. This electric conversion is 30kg heavier, which is not a big penalty for the 20% increase in power.
In sport mode, it is easy to lose traction as you put the extra power down.
MX-5s are not especially fast; they are better measured in smiles-per-mile.
I wouldn't choose battery power for it, but this is definitely still a smiley car.
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