Electric vehicles are often heavy, but the Ariel E-Nomad stands out as a unique EV. This conceptual vehicle, designed for off-road adventures, features only two seats and lacks many conventional body parts, including doors. It is an evolution of the recently introduced Nomad 2, but without the Focus ST's powertrain. Instead, it employs a single electric motor, which drives the rear wheels and delivers a robust 281 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, despite the vehicle's lightweight construction of just 1,975 pounds.
The Ariel E-Nomad accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 3.4 seconds, matching the performance of its gasoline-powered counterpart. To maintain its light weight, Ariel opted for a compact 41-kWh battery, providing a range of 150 miles. This vehicle is not intended for daily commutes but is perfect for weekend excursions off the beaten path, thanks to its abundant instant torque.
The battery, which weighs less than 661 pounds, is strategically placed behind the bulkhead for optimal weight distribution. It can be recharged from 20% to 80% in under 25 minutes using a fast charger. The drive unit, including the electric motor, single-speed transmission, and inverter, weighs only 203 pounds, and features a limited-slip differential.
To achieve such a low curb weight, Ariel utilized a body made from bio-composite natural fibers, which reduced weight by 9% compared to carbon fiber and cut CO2 emissions by 73% during production. The use of flax fibers makes the body recyclable, and CFD software helped reduce the drag coefficient by 30%, enhancing its aerodynamics.
Ariel does not currently plan to sell the E-Nomad but will gauge consumer reactions to shape future plans. Prototypes are being tested and improved upon, with hopes of a potential launch in the near future. The E-Nomad echoes the ethos of Caterham's Project V, another British low-volume automaker focusing on lightweight EVs, with plans to launch an electric sports coupe in late 2024 or early 2026.
