Came across this and thought it would be interesting to follow:
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Yes, I saw this YouTube channel plugged (!) elsewhere and am following it with interest.
The story so far hints implies a Mk.1 would probably also be suitable for the same conversion, so although it’s likely to be new-car expensive, I’m keen to see what results.
It’ll have massive torque from zero revs for sure, which will make a change!
So has anyone watched the final episode of this where Jonny Smith test drives it? It actually looks quite a good conversion, although it sounds c**p 
. I wonder if Mazda are watching?
I did not know it was finished as they haven’t posted in a while!
Watching Jonny’s video now, here it is for anyone else interested:
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I feel like my view on car stats is skewed based on today’s standards of ludicrous power figures and 0-60s so I thought I would look up the original and compare based on what Chris says in the video.
Other than the top speed and range (and of course gearbox) it is extremely true to the original!
| Original NB* | Zero EV NB | |
|---|---|---|
| Power (bhp) | 110 | 120 |
| Torque (Nm) | 134 | 230 |
| Top Speed (mph) | 119 | 82 |
| 0-60 mph (secs) | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Range (miles) | 374 | 100 |
| Weight (kg) | 1035 | 1070 |
| Weight Distribution | 50:50 | 50:50 |
| Transmission | Manual | N/A |
| Gearbox | 5 Speed | 1 speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive | Rear wheel drive |
*from Parkers
I agree that most people won’t require the full range ever day so it isn’t too much of an issue if you have a charger at home to plug it in each night. But a road trip isn’t exactly an option yet…
There is no cutting of the body at all, everything is bolt-in on original mounting points, so I believe @Martin_Young is right, should be applicable to an NA or NB.
It looks like it might solve my dilemma of wanting to continue to commute to West London in my Mk.1 after the low emission zone expands beyond my workplace next year. But the kit price mentioned is about 8 years worth of low emission zone £12.50/day fees. By that stage I’ll be starting to think of retiring.
There’s also the dilemma that no fast charging means this really isn’t a car for trips beyond its range, it’s a car with a 50 mile operating radius.
Valid points Martin.
It may be possible to spec a bigger battery pack for higher range but the weight distribution could be compromised.
100mile round trip isn’t that far when one is enjoying one’s jaunt. I’m sure many of us have done much more than that in a day when simply driving for drivings sake.
Food for thought. 