Ariel, the Somerset-based car manufacturer, has unveiled a near-production-spec concept of an electric version of its recently launched Nomad 2 performance off-roader. The electric car, called the E-Nomad, is set to be launched in 2026 and will offer similar performance to the internal combustion engine (ICE) model while providing unique driving attributes. The CEO of Ariel, Simon Saunders, has stated that the E-Nomad is expected to cost around £10,000 more than the £68,000 Nomad 2, with battery costs being a key factor in determining the final pricing.
The E-Nomad is the center of a three-partner project called ZELV (Zero-Emissions Lightweight Vehicle), and the concept will be officially unveiled on September 4th at the Millbrook technical center in Bedfordshire. Saunders believes that low-volume manufacturers must embrace the electric future or risk being left behind. The E-Nomad aims to demonstrate how new technology can be adapted to other low-volume EV projects.
The E-Nomad is built with the assistance of two British-based partners, Rockfort Engineering and BAMD Composites, and has received a £300k government Advanced Propulsion Centre grant. It features the same steel spaceframe chassis and all-independent suspension as the Nomad 2 and has a rear-wheel-drive layout. The power comes from a BorgWarner water-cooled single drive motor that delivers 281bhp and 360lb ft. Ariel has already built several prototypes and is confident that the E-Nomad can reach a top speed of 115mph and achieve 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.
One of the advantages of the E-Nomad is its precise delivery of torque, which Ariel engineers believe will provide new benefits in off-road use. The car also features regenerative braking and a new-to-Ariel ABS system. The powertrain consists of a Cascadia Motion iDM 190 drive unit, which combines the motor, one-speed gearbox, and inverter in a single unit. The lithium-ion battery pack, specifically designed for the E-Nomad by Rockfort, has a capacity of 41kWh and weighs less than 300kg. The lightweight body is made of a natural-fiber bio-composite from BAMD, offering high tensile strength and stiffness while reducing CO2 emissions.
Ariel plans to assess the reaction to the E-Nomad at the Millbrook unveiling but is confident that with further development, the electric model can offer a different driving experience from the ICE version. Saunders believes that the battery-powered car should be able to do things the petrol one can’t and vice versa, justifying the existence of both models.
In an interview, Saunders addressed the question of why Ariel is building an electric vehicle despite the likelihood of exemptions for small manufacturers from the 2035 ban on internal combustion engine sales. He emphasized the importance of doing their part to reduce global pollution and the risk of being left behind if they don’t embrace new technologies. Saunders also expressed his belief that electric cars have the potential to be better than their ICE counterparts and that companies like Ariel can move faster in adapting to new technologies. He highlighted the importance of dependability in choosing an off-the-shelf EV power unit, as well as the cost challenges associated with low-volume production.
In conclusion, Ariel’s unveiling of the E-Nomad concept demonstrates the company’s commitment to embracing the electric future and adapting new technology to their low-volume EV projects. The E-Nomad offers similar performance to the ICE model while providing unique driving attributes. With the support of government grants and partnerships with Rockfort Engineering and BAMD Composites, Ariel has built several prototypes and is confident in the capabilities of the E-Nomad. The use of an off-the-shelf EV power unit ensures dependability, while the lightweight body made of bio-composite materials reduces CO2 emissions. Ariel aims to offer a different driving experience with the E-Nomad, showcasing the advantages of electric vehicles in off-road use. By embracing the electric future, Ariel hopes to stay ahead of the competition and contribute to reducing global pollution.