- Ariel introduced a fully electric version of the Nomad as a production-intend concept.
- The E-Nomad has a more aerodynamic bodywork and a custom 41 kWh battery pack.
- A single electric motor produces 281 hp and 361 lb-ft, powering the rear wheels.
Shortly after the debut of the Ariel Nomad 2 last month, the UK-based company unveiled a fully electric version of its all-terrain model. The Ariel E-Nomad is still a concept, but it previews a production EV set to arrive in 2026.
The E-Nomad is visually distinguished from its ICE-powered counterpart thanks to a redesigned bodywork made of a recyclable flax fiber bio-composite material. The new panels, developed by Bamd Composites, are 9 percent lighter than carbon fiber, and produce 73 percent lower CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process.
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Furthermore, the E-Nomad benefits from a 30 percent reduction in drag compared to the Nomad 2, without affecting the downforce. This was achieved by covering the tubular chassis and adding a sleeker roof that integrates the full-size spare wheel.
More importantly, the E-Nomad trades the Ford-sourced turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine of the Nomad 2 for a zero-emission powertrain. A Borg Warner eDM motor produces 281 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque, powering the rear wheels with the help of a limited slip differential. Performance is said to be equivalent to the ICE version, with the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint completed in 3.4 seconds.
The Ariel E-Nomad Concept (left) compared to the Nomad 2 (right)
The drivetrain comprises a Cascadia Motion IDM90 combined motor, gearbox, and DX inverter drive unit, tipping the scales at 92 kg (203 pounds). The E-Nomad is fitted with Ariel‘s new ABS system with selectable drive modes, and also features regenerative braking.
Energy is sourced from a 450V battery pack with a capacity of 41 kWh, which was developed specifically for the Ariel E-Nomad by Rockfort Engineering. The battery is mounted behind the two-seater cabin and weighs 300 kg (661 pounds). It comprises Pegasus V3 modules with high density and features integrated cooling and heating systems.
According to Ariel, the E-Nomad tips the scales at 896 kg (1,975 pounds) and has 150 miles (240 km) of range. Furthermore, the battery pack is compatible with DC fast charging, taking it from 20 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes.
Simon Saunders, Ariel Director, said: “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, grueling 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.”
The Ariel E-Nomad Concept will make its official debut at the Cenex Expo 2024 on September 4 and is set to continue testing. The production version will reportedly hit the market in 2026. According to Autocar, the price of the EV is estimated to be around £10,000 ($13,236) higher than the ICE-powered Nomad 2, which starts from £67,992 ($90,023).
