This is one area where we are
This is one area where we are in complete agreement. I agree that the MX5 would make a great EV platform, and because most sports car owners do not use their cars for commuting, then 100-150 miles EV range should be fine. Plus bigger battery packs are heavier and more expensive to build, therefore the enemy of affordable sports cars. One problem is that Mazda has not built ANY EVs or hybrids to date. They have supported diesel engines to gain better fuel efficiency. But with the VW dieselgate fiasco diesel is a dirty word. In 2017 Mazda did team up with Toyota and Denso on a joint venture called EV Common Architecture Spirit Co Ltd to develop EV technology. The resulting "XEV," platform uses a rotary range extender that can work as mild hybrid, or series hybrid. Rotary engines are not known for great fuel efficiency, but their small size, simplicity, and high revving nature are a good match for electric motors in cars. Most likely we could see that XEV technology first in a small crossover like the CX-30. But I think that it would be a worldwide hit if the XEV technology were also released in the Miata as a PHEV, with a relatively small 20kWh battery with around 60 miles of EV range, and a small rotary range extender available for longer trips. If it comes together, I do not see it happening until 2021 or later, but it would be great if a PHEV or BEV Miata were actually built.