An electrical off-roader could possibly be within the works from Ariel
Ariel revealed the E-Nomad idea with a 41-kwh battery and 150 miles of vary
If there’s sufficient buyer curiosity the E-Nomad may go into manufacturing and are available to the U.S.
Low-volume British automaker Ariel has electrified its minimalist Nomad off-roader.
Ariel not too long ago unveiled the E-Nomad idea, which swaps the automobile’s small gasoline engine for an electrical motor and battery pack whereas incorporating physique panels created from sustainable materials. The Nomad itself is an off-road model of the Ariel Atom, with each vehicles being little greater than tube body chassis with wheels connected.
The idea is predicated on the redesigned Ariel Nomad 2, which not too long ago launched with a Ford-sourced 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine accessible in 260 hp, 302 hp, and 305 hp tunes. Within the E-Nomad, that is been changed by a rear-mounted electrical motor producing 281 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. Ariel claims it will match the gasoline model’s finest 0-60 mph time of three.4 seconds.
Ariel E-Nomad idea
A 41-kwh battery pack comprised of pouch cells affords an estimated 150 miles of vary, doubtless primarily based on the extra optimistic European WLTP testing cycle. The pack additionally incorporates a devoted heater for pre-conditioning in chilly climate. A CCS DC fast-charging connector permits for a 20-80% cost in about 25 minutes.
Whereas it nonetheless lacks doorways, the E-Nomad does have a roof and more-enclosed physique sides than the manufacturing Nomad, serving to to scale back aerodynamic drag by 30%. These are created from flax, which Ariel claims is 9% lighter than carbon fiber and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by 73%. The bodywork helps contribute to a 1,975-pound curb weight—pretty svelte for an EV however nonetheless about 400 kilos heavier than a gasoline Nomad 2.
Ariel has experimented with electrification earlier than, unveiling the gas-turbine range-extended Hipercar in 2022. Provider Borg Warner, which supplied the motor for the E-Nomad, additionally confirmed its personal electrical Nomad prototype in 2019. However the firm hasn’t made a closing determination on whether or not to promote the E-Nomad to prospects.
Ariel E-Nomad idea
Testing of the E-Nomad will proceed as Ariel screens buyer curiosity, the corporate stated in a press launch. If it does go into manufacturing, there is a cheap probability the E-Nomad will attain the U.S., as Ariel has imported its gasoline Nomad and Atom beforehand.
The E-Nomad may function a wilder various to the Rivian R3 and R3X, that are additionally designed to scamper round off highway, however future extra typical styling that remembers classic hatchbacks. Particular launch timing hasn’t been confirmed, however Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has stated the R3X will arrive first, “as quickly as attainable” after the 2026 launch of the R2 SUV.