The Honda Civic EG has been an iconic platform for performance tuning, and ECU Shop has taken it into the electric era with cutting-edge engineering. This isn't just any EV conversion—the EG uses three universal electric motors, creatively mounted together using a custom CNC-machined plate. These motors work in unison to deliver 250 horsepower and a staggering 440 lb-ft of torque directly to the front wheels, a level of performance that surpasses traditional K20 engine swaps.
How ECU Shop Built the Electric EG
ECU Shop's approach was groundbreaking. Rather than using a single electric motor, they opted for three 60kW motors, giving the Civic a combined output of 180kW (250 HP). To manage this setup, they CNC-machined a custom plate to securely mount all three motors together, allowing them to function as a single unit.
This three-motor system is linked to a Quaife 5-speed sequential transmission via a chain drive. The combination of instant electric torque and a race-proven sequential gearbox creates an exhilarating driving experience, with seamless shifts and immediate acceleration. With 440 lb-ft of torque on tap, this build offers mind-blowing off-the-line performance, particularly compared to traditional internal combustion swaps.
The Custom VCU: A New Level of Control
Unlike traditional builds that rely on an ECU (Engine Control Unit), this electric Honda Civic EG uses a completely custom VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) developed by ECU Shop. The VCU manages all aspects of the power delivery, cooling, and motor synchronization, ensuring optimal performance from the tri-motor setup. The VCU not only handles performance tuning but also oversees real-time monitoring, providing a seamless driving experience with instant torque management and power control.
Stock Honda Civic EG vs. Electric EG: Performance Breakdown
Here’s how the stock Honda Civic EG stacks up against ECU Shop’s electric version:
Spec | Stock Honda Civic EG | ECU Shop Electric EG |
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Horsepower | 125 HP (1.6L engine) | 250 HP (3 x 60kW EV motors) |
Torque | 106 lb-ft | 440 lb-ft |
Weight | ~ 2,094 lbs | ~ 2,094 lbs (despite electric conversion) |
Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed sequential (Quaife) |
Power Delivery | Gradual, high RPM dependent | Instant torque at any RPM |
Control Unit | ECU | Custom VCU by ECU Shop |
Despite its conversion to an electric drivetrain, the EG retains the same weight as the stock version, thanks to thoughtful engineering and lightweight components. This ensures that the car's handling and agility remain intact, while providing a massive boost in performance over the stock model and even traditional K20 swaps.
Why This Electric EG Is Better Than the K20 Swap
For years, the K20 engine swap has been the go-to for Civic enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance. But ECU Shop’s electric build takes things to a new level, delivering unmatched torque, acceleration, and innovation. Here’s how the electric EG compares:
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Power and Torque: With 250 HP and 440 lb-ft of torque, the electric EG easily outpaces the K20, especially in terms of low-end acceleration. The electric powertrain delivers peak torque instantly, whereas the K20 needs high revs to perform.
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Transmission: The Quaife sequential gearbox not only handles the electric torque but provides quick, precise gear changes, keeping the driving experience engaging, much like a high-performance gasoline setup.
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Innovation and Maintenance: The electric setup dramatically reduces maintenance needs. There’s no need for oil changes, valve adjustments, or other typical engine upkeep. Plus, the custom VCU system offers advanced tuning capabilities far beyond what’s possible with a traditional ECU.
The Electric Revolution in Honda Tuning
The introduction of three motors into a single build is a revolutionary move in EV tuning. Using advanced CNC machining, ECU Shop’s engineering team found a way to secure and synchronize all three motors seamlessly. The custom VCU ensures that the power is delivered smoothly and effectively, allowing this electric EG to retain the performance legacy of the Civic EG chassis while embracing the future of automotive technology.
Conclusion
ECU Shop’s electric Honda Civic EG is more than just a retrofit—it’s a leap forward in car tuning. With its three motor setup, custom CNC machining, and Quaife 5-speed sequential transmission, this build offers an impressive 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque that leaves K20 swaps in the dust. Add in the custom VCU by ECU Shop, and it’s clear that this electric Civic is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in performance tuning. The future of high-performance vehicles might be electric, and with builds like this, the excitement is far from over.