Ariel develops fully electric version of Nomad 2

The Ariel Motor Company, better known for its unique Atom Lightweight Sports Car which it introduced over 20 years ago, has unveiled the E-Nomad concept – a fully-electric version of its ultimate go-anywhere sportscar.

While it is a concept at this time, Ariel has indicated that it is intended for eventual production. “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 E-Nomad alongside its ICE Nomad 2 sibling, so we’ll take great interest in customer feedback on the concept car,” said Simon Saunders, Ariel Director.

Based on the recently launched Ariel Nomad 2, the new model is powered by a 41 kWh 450V battery that feeds power to a rear integrated motor, gearbox, and inverter unit producing a maximum power output of 210 kW/281bhp.

Delivered through a single speed gearbox, this power, along with 490 Nm of torque, enables the rear-wheel drive car to achieve exceptional performance on-road, while remaining stable and controllable on rougher terrain.

Matching the acceleration of its internal combustion engine sibling, the e-Nomad concept is claimed to be able to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. The sizzling acceleration is helped by the fact that the vehicle weighs just 896 kgs, which also helps in giving a range said to be up to 240 kms.

The lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork is made from natural flax fibres. Selected for its mechanical and structural qualities, the prepreg material is made with northern European flax fibres from SHD Composites. The long, continuous, cellulose fibres of flax plants have excellent tensile strength and stiffness, as well as the plant itself being carbon capturing.

To give additional strength and further weight saving, the panels are backed by reinforcing ‘Power Ribs’ made from more bio-composite natural fibre. Manufacture of the material represents a 73% saving in CO₂ when compared to carbonfibre and is 9% lighter than the equivalent carbon material.

The E-Nomad concept will make its first public appearance at the Cenex Expo 2024 in the UK next week. With the public display, Ariel will be able to observe consumer reaction for its future plans. The Ariel team will test the prototype extensively to explore the full spectrum of potential future applications.

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