Ariel previews first electric car with ultra-lightweight concept
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.
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.
