Electrifying the Outback: Ariel Unveils E-Nomad, the Go-Anywhere Electric Sports Car

The Ariel E-Nomad design might become the supreme all-terrain sports vehicle.

The niche UK car manufacturer Ariel has infused its bare-bones Nomad with electric power.

Ariel has introduced the E-Nomad design, replacing the compact petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, and featuring bodywork composed of eco-friendly materials. The original Nomad model is a rugged terrain adaptation of the Ariel Atom, with both vehicles essentially consisting of a skeletal tube frame with wheels.

The idea revolves around the newly revamped Ariel Nomad 2, which now features an engine from Ford – a 2.3-liter turbo-4 – with options of 260, 302, or 305 horsepower. However, in the E-Nomad, this has been swapped out for an electric motor situated at the back, delivering 281 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. Ariel asserts that this electric variant will equal the petrol model's top acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Concept design for Ariel's Electric Nomad

A battery unit with a capacity of 41 kilowatt-hours, made up of pouch-style cells, is expected to provide a travel distance of approximately 150 miles, probably calculated using the European WLTP assessment, which tends to give more generous figures. The battery is equipped with its own heating system to warm it up before use during chilly conditions. Furthermore, it comes with a CCS DC rapid-charging port that enables the battery to go from 20% to 80% in roughly 25 minutes.

The E-Nomad remains doorless but features a roof and partially enclosed sides, unlike its production counterpart, the Nomad. This design change improves aerodynamics by decreasing wind resistance by 30%. The materials used for this are derived from flax, which Ariel states is 9% lighter than carbon fiber and also reduces CO2 emissions by a significant 73%. This construction aids in achieving a curb weight of 1,975 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for an electric vehicle, though it's still approximately 400 pounds heftier than the petrol-powered Nomad 2.

Previously, Ariel has dabbled in electric technology, introducing the Hipercar in 2022 that featured a gas-turbine for extended range. Borg Warner, the provider of the E-Nomad's motor, also revealed a prototype of an electric Nomad in 2019. However, Ariel remains undecided on offering the E-Nomad for purchase to the public.

The concept of the Ariel E-Nomad

Ariel will keep evaluating the E-Nomad while keeping an eye on consumer response, according to a statement from the company. Should it enter the manufacturing phase, the E-Nomad stands a good chance of being available in the U.S., given Ariel's history of bringing in its petrol-powered Nomad and Atom models.

The E-Nomad might emerge as a more adventurous option compared to the Rivian R3 and R3X, both of which are built for off-road excitement but with a more traditional look that harks back to classic hatchbacks. While the exact release date is up in the air, Rivian's head RJ Scaringe has indicated that the R3X will hit the market shortly after the debut of the R2 SUV in 2026, with an emphasis on a quick launch.

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