Ariel Motor Company, the UK-based low-volume manufacturer of ultra-lightweight road, track, and off-road vehicles, has unveiled the E-Nomad concept – a fully-electric version of its ‘ultimate go-anywhere sportscar’.
Matching the acceleration of its internal combustion engine sibling, the new e-Nomad concept can hit 60mph in just 3.4sec and retains the Nomad’s all-terrain high-performance capabilities. Weighing just 896kg, the E-Nomad features all-new natural fibre bio-composite bodywork that is recyclable and enhances aerodynamic efficiency to enable a range of up to 150 miles.
Ariel’s engineers designed, developed, and manufactured the zero-emission E-Nomad concept at the company’s headquarters near Crewkerne in Somerset. Based on the recently launched Ariel Nomad 2, the new model is powered by a 41kW/h 450-volt battery that feeds power to a rear integrated motor, gearbox, and inverter unit producing a maximum power output of 210kW.
Delivered through a single-speed gearbox, this power, along with 490Nm of torque, enables the rear-wheel drive car to achieve exceptional performance on-road, while remaining stable and controllable on challenging terrain. With constant torque on tap, the E-Nomad offers the same extreme on- and off-road performance as its petrol-powered sibling.
Ariel director Simon Saunders said: “While the E-Nomad is a concept, it does show production intent for the vehicle and hints at just a small part of Ariel’s future. Once it has been through our usual, gruelling testing regime we could opt to add E-Nomad alongside its ICE Nomad 2 sibling, so we will take great interest in customer feedback on the concept car.”
Developed with partners
Rockfort Engineering and
Bamd Composites, the Ariel ‘Zero Emission for Low Volume’ programme was grant supported by the UK’s Department of Trade, via the
Advanced Propulsion Centre, and
Niche Vehicle Network. A fully working prototype, the E-Nomad flags the direction and possibilities for future Ariel models as well as showcasing innovative technology applications at low-production volumes.