Ariel, a British company known for its innovative sports cars, has unveiled an electric version of its Nomad 2 off-roader, dubbed the E-Nomad. While still in the concept stage, this electric beast could soon carve a unique niche in the ever-expanding world of electric vehicles if it receives the green light for production.
The E-Nomad retains the wild and distinctive styling of its gasoline-powered sibling, the Nomad 2. Sitting high off the ground, it boasts a pair of three-headlight clusters that give it a bug-eyed appearance, flared wheel arches, and a functional interior. This striking combination of elements positions it at the intriguing intersection of sports car, SUV, and dune buggy.
Powering the E-Nomad is a rear-mounted electric motor that generates a robust 281 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. This potent output is paired with a 41-kilowatt-hour battery pack, resulting in a blistering 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.4 seconds, mirroring the performance of the gasoline-powered Nomad 2.
One of the E-Nomad’s key advantages is its relatively small battery pack, which allows for quick charging. Ariel claims that a fast charger can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in under 25 minutes. Alternatively, it can be charged using a standard household outlet.
To minimize drag, a key factor in maximizing range, Ariel has equipped the E-Nomad with body panels constructed from a flax fiber material. This eco-friendly material is not only strong but also 9% lighter than carbon fiber. Despite its lightweight design, the E-Nomad weighs approximately 1,975 pounds, around 400 pounds heavier than the gasoline-powered Nomad 2. This added weight contributes to a range of up to 150 miles, which may not be considered long-range, but it’s perfectly suitable for the E-Nomad’s intended purpose: short, exhilarating drives.
While the E-Nomad currently exists as a concept, Ariel’s top executives have hinted at the possibility of production. Simon Saunders, the company’s director, stated, “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-powered Nomad 2 sibling, so we’ll take great interest in customer feedback on the concept car.” The E-Nomad’s future remains uncertain, but the possibility of this wild off-road electric vehicle gracing our roads is certainly exciting.
