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The Ariel E-Nomad concept is a fully-electric version of its go-anywhere rear-wheel drive sports car, which the company says is capable of “conquering rally stages or off-road rock crawling”.
Matching the acceleration of the internal combustion engine model, the new e-Nomad concept can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds and it 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 driving range of up to 150 miles.
Based on the recently launched Ariel Nomad 2, the new model is powered by a 41kWh 450-volt battery that feeds power to a rear integrated motor, gearbox, and inverter unit producing a maximum power output of 210kW (281bhp).
Delivered through a single-speed gearbox, this power, along with 490Nm of torque, is said to enable the rear-wheel drive car to achieve exceptional performance on-road, while remaining stable and controllable on challenging terrain.
Simon Saunders, Ariel Director comments: “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 the E-Nomad alongside its ICE Nomad 2 sibling, so we’ll 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.
The 450-volt E-Nomad battery pack, developed specifically for the car by Rockfort Engineering, features the company’s all-new, adaptable Pegasus V3 modules that use high energy lithium-ion pouch cells. These modules offer best-in-class energy density to prioritise performance and range without compromising weight. The E-Nomad uses twelve Pegasus V3 modules with a total capacity of 41kW and power output of 210kW.
Weighing under 300kg, the lightweight, high-power battery unit contributes to minimising mass throughout the E-Nomad. It features integrated cooling and heating systems to extend battery life by maintaining optimum temperature both on and off-road, as well as on track. A high-capacity, front-mounted, split-circuit radiator provides independent cooling to the battery, while a 5kW internal high-voltage heater can also pre-warm the battery in cold conditions to establish and maintain the most efficient working temperature.
Situated behind the driver / passenger bulkhead, the single battery pack is capable of AC (Type 2) and DC (CCS2) fast charging. This enables the E-Nomad to be charged at home on a normal domestic supply, or via a dedicated fast charger in under 25 minutes from 20% – 80%.
The powertrain is managed via a Rockfort Engineering tuneable control system allowing for changes in power delivery, regen, and different performance maps to suit the usage and driving characteristics. Driver adjustability will feature in further developments of the car, maintaining Ariel’s ethos of allowing the driver control over vehicle systems.
The E-Nomad is fitted with Ariel’s new ABS system with driver selectable on and off-road modes and has regenerative braking, feeding energy back to the battery and allowing one pedal driving.Two drive modes are available, ECO and Sport. The Sport mode allows full power and performance, while ECO reduces power and torque with different throttle and regen characteristics, for increased range.
The E-Nomad’s flax fibre bio-composite body panels are 9% lighter than carbon fibre and save 73% CO2.
Ariel will monitor consumer reaction to inform its future plans. Green Car Guide says “please build it”!
