Ariel, a Somerset-based car manufacturer, has unveiled a near-production-spec concept for an electric version of its recently unveiled off-roader, the Nomad 2. The electric model, called E-Nomad, aims to offer similar performance to the internal combustion engine (ICE) version while providing unique driving attributes. Ariel plans to launch the E-Nomad in 2026 and expects it to cost around £10,000 more than the £68,000 ICE model, with battery costs being a key factor in the final pricing.
The E-Nomad is part of a three-partner project called ZELV (Zero-Emissions Lightweight Vehicle) and will be officially unveiled on September 4th at the Low Carbon Vehicle Event in Bedfordshire. Ariel CEO Simon Saunders believes that low-volume manufacturers must embrace the electric future or risk being left behind. The E-Nomad serves as a showcase for how new technology can be adapted to other low-volume EV projects.
Built with the assistance of two British-based partners, Rockfort Engineering and BAMD Composites, the E-Nomad has a steel spaceframe chassis and all-independent suspension just like the Nomad 2. It features a BorgWarner water-cooled single drive motor that delivers 281bhp and 360lb ft of torque. Ariel has already built several prototypes and is confident that the E-Nomad can achieve a top speed of 115mph and go from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. The precise delivery of the E-Nomad’s EV torque and the ability for single-pedal driving are expected to enhance off-road performance.
The E-Nomad’s powertrain consists of a Cascadia Motion iDM 190 drive unit, which combines the motor, one-speed gearbox, and inverter in a single unit. The entire unit weighs only 92kg. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack, designed specifically for the E-Nomad by Rockfort, has a capacity of 41kWh and uses 12 Pegasus V3 modules. The lightweight body of the E-Nomad is made of a natural-fiber bio-composite from BAMD, which saves more than 70% of the CO2 output compared to rival composites.
Ariel plans to assess the reaction to the electric Nomad at the Low Carbon Vehicle Event but is confident that with further development, the E-Nomad can offer a different driving experience from the ICE model. Ariel aims to make the battery-powered version capable of things that the petrol version cannot, and vice versa.
In an interview, Ariel CEO Simon Saunders explains the rationale behind building an EV now, stating that small manufacturers like Ariel need to do their part to address global pollution and avoid being left behind by competitors. He believes that EV models like the E-Nomad can eventually be better than their ICE counterparts and that companies like Ariel can move faster in adapting to new technologies. When asked about the choice of power unit, Saunders emphasizes the importance of dependability and using existing components to meet that priority. He also explains that the cost of batteries is still relatively high for low-volume manufacturers due to the lack of scale.
Overall, Ariel’s E-Nomad represents the company’s commitment to embracing the electric future and adapting new technology to its low-volume EV projects. The E-Nomad aims to provide similar performance to the ICE model while offering unique driving attributes. With the support of government grants and partnerships with British-based companies, Ariel is confident in the capabilities of the E-Nomad and its potential to deliver a different driving experience.
