Ariel Motor Company, the UK-based low-volume manufacturer of ultra-lightweight road, track, and off-road vehicles, has unveiled the E-Nomad concept – a fully-electric version of its ultimate go-anywhere sportscar.

Matching the acceleration of its internal combustion engine sibling, the new e-Nomad concept can hit 60mph in just 3.4 seconds and 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 range of up to 150 miles (240km).

Ariel’s engineers designed, developed, and manufactured the zero emission E-Nomad concept at the company’s headquarters near Crewkerne in Somerset. 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, enables the rear-wheel drive car to achieve exceptional performance on-road, while remaining stable and controllable on challenging terrain. With constant torque on tap, the E-Nomad offers the same extreme on- and off-road performance as its petrol-powered sibling, showing that Ariel’s SERIOUS FUN ethos can also translate to SERIOUSLY CLEAN FUN.

Simon Saunders, Ariel Director: “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 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.

Battery

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.

Drivetrain

The E-Nomad uses a Cascadia Motion IDM90 combined motor, gearbox, and DX inverter drive unit weighing only 92kg. Powering the rear wheels, the unit features a Borg Warner eDM motor spinning to 12,000rpm and single speed transmission with reduction gearing of 8.28:1. A limited slip differential and parking lock are also part of the E-Nomad specification. The drive unit is water cooled via a secondary system, independent of the battery, from the front mounted, split-circuit radiator.

Body

Re-enforcing the carbon reduction qualities of the E-Nomad, Bamd Composites produced all-new, lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork 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 carbon fibre and is 9% lighter than the equivalent carbon material.

CO₂ savings were also maximised in the tooling manufacture of the prototype bodywork panels. Direct tooling resulted in a saving of over 50% in CO₂ emissions over conventional moulding methods, using Ru-bix Halo-S tooling material and saving over 5,000kg of CO₂ just in the production of the tools. Both tooling and bodywork are recyclable at end-of-life.

Development of the experimental bodywork fitted to the E-Nomad utilised the cloud-based Bramble CFD software, enabling Ariel to explore multiple aerodynamic possibilities. With an emphasis on maximising range as well as performance, the bodywork gives a 30% reduction in drag over the standard Nomad, while maintaining downforce and balance. Much of the drag reduction is derived from the roof panel, which also houses a full-size spare wheel.

General

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.

A central switch panel allows selection of drive, neutral, reverse, and park settings with secondary functions to activate battery heater, charge system and switch between driving modes. In addition to displaying speed and air temperature, the AIM Technologies TFT instrumentation incorporates EV specific data including battery and inverter information, powertrain temperatures; drive mode; and battery charge status. The concept car also features a full data logging system and a host of other readouts that Ariel will use as part of its evaluation and development programme.

A revised Power Delivery Management (PDM) whole vehicle electrical system manages battery power states allowing automatic system ‘wake up’ or ‘sleep’ for charging and battery management, while minimising low battery drain during periods without use.

Ariel will debut the E-Nomad concept at the Cenex Expo 2024 on 4 September at UTAC Millbrook. While E-Nomad is not for sale, Ariel will monitor consumer reaction to inform its future plans. The Ariel team will test the prototype extensively to explore the full spectrum of potential future applications.