Ariel Motor Co. has designed, developed, and manufactured a zero-emission concept at the company’s headquarters near Crewkerne in Somerset. The fully electric E-Nomad version of the all-terrain Nomad sportscar from the UK-based low-volume manufacturer of ultra-lightweight road, track, and off-road vehicles will debut at the Cenex Expo 2024 on September 4th at UTAC Millbrook.

While E-Nomad is not for sale, the company will monitor consumer reactions to inform its plans. The fully working prototype points to the direction and possibilities for future Ariel models and showcases innovative technology applications at low production volumes.

“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,” said Ariel Director Simon Saunders. “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 concept weighs just 896 kg (1975 lb) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.4 s, matching the acceleration of its internal combustion engine sibling. It features new natural-fiber bio-composite bodywork that is recyclable and enhances aerodynamic efficiency to enable a range of up to 150 mi (240 km) from a 41-kW·h 450-V battery pack.

Based on the recently launched Ariel Nomad 2, the new model has a rear integrated motor, gearbox, and inverter unit producing a maximum power output of 210 kW and 490 N·m (361 lb·ft). That output is delivered through a single-speed gearbox to enable a rear-wheel drive car that offers the same extreme on- and off-road performance as its gasoline-fueled sibling.

The E-Nomad was developed with partners Rockfort Engineering and Bamd Composites as a part of the Ariel Zero Emission for Low Volume program grant-supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade via the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Niche Vehicle Network.

 

Flax-fiber-reinforced body

Bamd Composites produced all-new, lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork made from natural flax fibers to reinforce the carbon reduction qualities of the E-Nomad. The prepreg material, made with northern European flax fibers from SHD Composites, was selected for its mechanical and structural qualities. The long, continuous, cellulose fibers of flax plants have excellent tensile strength and stiffness, and the plant from which it is derived is carbon-capturing.

The panels are backed by reinforcing Power Ribs made from more bio-composite natural fiber to give additional strength and further weight saving. Manufacture of the material represents a 73% savings in CO2 when compared to carbon fiber and is 9% lighter than the equivalent carbon material.

CO2 savings were also maximized in the manufacturing tooling of the prototype bodywork panels. Direct tooling resulted in a saving of over 50% in CO2 emissions over conventional molding methods, and using Ru-bix Halo-S material just in the production of the tools saved over 5000 kg (11,000 lb) of CO2. Both tooling and bodywork are recyclable at end-of-life.

Development of the experimental bodywork fitted to the E-Nomad utilized the cloud-based Bramble CFD software, enabling Ariel to explore multiple aerodynamic possibilities. With an emphasis on maximizing range and performance, the bodywork represents 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.

 

Drivetrain and battery

The concept’s Cascadia Motion IDM90 combines a motor, gearbox, and DX inverter in a drive unit that weighs only 92 kg (203 lb). The drive unit is water-cooled via a secondary system, independent of the battery, from a front-mounted, split-circuit radiator. It features a BorgWarner eDM motor spinning to 12,000 rpm and a single-speed transmission with 8.28:1 reduction gearing. A limited-slip differential and parking lock are part of the E-Nomad specification.

The battery pack, developed specifically for the car by Rockfort Engineering, features 12 of the company’s new, adaptable Pegasus V3 modules that use high-energy lithium-ion pouch cells. The modules are said to offer best-in-class energy density to prioritize performance and range without compromising weight.

Weighing under 300 kg (661 lb), the lightweight, high-power battery unit contributes to the concept’s low mass. 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 5-kW internal high-voltage heater can pre-warm the battery in cold conditions to establish and maintain the most efficient working temperature.

The single battery pack behind the driver/passenger bulkhead is capable of AC (Type 2) charging and DC (CCS2) fast charging. This enables the concept to be charged at home on a normal domestic supply or via a dedicated fast charger from 20% to 80% in under 25 min.

A revised PDM (Power Delivery Management) whole vehicle electrical system manages battery power states, allowing an automatic system “wake up or sleep” for charging and battery management while minimizing battery drain during periods of non-use.

 

User control and experience

The powertrain is managed by 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.

E-Nomad is fitted with Ariel’s new ABS system with driver-selectable on- and off-road modes, and regenerative braking feeding energy back to the battery allows for one-pedal driving. Two drive modes are available. 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 the selection of drive, neutral, reverse, and park settings, with secondary functions to activate the 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 also features a full data-logging system and other readouts that will be used as part of Ariel’s E-Nomad evaluation and development program.