Following a soft launch in the form of the EV3 electric design study back in 2015, Morgan has now showcased a final “pre-production phase” version of its forthcoming all-electric 3 Wheeler.
Having just made its official global debut at this year’s Geneva motor show, the vehicle features a restyled body and interior and is claimed to have a range of 150 miles.
Encased within its tubular space frame chassis is a 20 KWh lithium battery and a liquid cooled 62 bhp motor driving the rear wheel. Performance-wise, 0-62 mph is said to take less than 9 seconds while top speed is listed at above 90 mph.
The EV3 is also the first Morgan vehicle to utilise carbon-fibre panels in its body construction. As a result, the car is over 25 kg lighter than the standard 3 Wheeler, weighing less than 500 kg. The carbon bonnet, tonneau cover and side pods are made in the UK, and much like the remaining aluminium panels, are hand worked over an ash wood frame.
According to design boss Jonathan Wells, the car’s visual inspiration comes from 1930’s aeroengine race cars, classic motorcycles and 1950’s fantasy automatons.
At the front, brass conductive cooling fins encase the batteries and an off-centre tri-bar headlight adds to the overall asymmetry of the design. The tail lift once seen on 1930’s Morgan 3 Wheeler race cars has also been re-introduced, while low slung running lights carry through the cylindrical form of the side pods.
On the inside, an entirely new dashboard arrangement features a classic ‘magneto’ switch for drive selection, a digital screen, wood, brass and polished aluminium.
Morgan announced earlier in January that it plans to add hybrid and electric models to its line-up from 2019, after having received funding from the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre.
The British manufacturer says it is investing £6 million into its Malvern factory in order to begin developing new powertrains.
The new EV3 is set to enter production towards the end of 2016.
Source: Morgan Motor Company
