-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
© Ariel
-
Ariel has previewed its first electric production car with the launch of a near-production-spec concept.
-
Based on the electric version of the Nomad 2, the concept is likely to remain very similar in both appearance and specification to the final production car.
-
As reported by Move Electric's sister title Autocar, the new car is dubbed E-Nomad and will provide similar performance to the ICE model while offering unique driving attributes.
-
The UK-based firm says an electric car is "already on the way", with plans in place to launch it in 2026. Due to battery costs, it will reportedly cost around £10,000 more than the petrol-powered Nomad 2.
-
The project is designed to show how new technology can be adapted to other low-volume electric projects, and has been brought about thanks to a project called ZELV (Zero-Emissions Lightweight Vehicle). Three firms are involved in this project: Ariel, Rockfort Engineering and BAMD Composites.
-
The concept has a bespoke electric drivetrain, but the same chassis components as the Nomad 2. It uses the same steel spaceframe chassis and all-independent suspension as that car and has a similar rear-wheel-drive layout.
-
Power comes from a BorgWarner water-cooled single drive motor that delivers 281bhp and 360lb ft. In a developed version of the car, further tuning could produce a power output of 324bhp.
-
Ariel says its first electric car will have a 115mph top speed and sprint from 0-62mph in 3.5sec. Several prototypes of the model have already been built.
-
Its motor is powered by a 41kWh battery with 450V charging architecture. The battery allows for a range of around 150 miles. You should also be able to top it up from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.
-
The whole powertrain weighs less than 300kg, and the E-Nomad’s overall kerb weight is just 896kg.
-
This low kerb weight is also down to its bio-composite body which features continuous cellulose fibres that give high strength and stiffness for better handling.