Even smaller automakers like Morgan are joining the EV bandwagon, as the British company has announced that its upcoming electric EV3 three-wheeler will launch towards the end of 2018 with a claimed range of 120 miles. As the first fully electric car to ever be produced in the British company's history, the EV3 will be based on the popular 3 Wheeler sports car and is being developed with British technology firm Frazer-Nash Energy Systems to give the car "greater performance with rapid charging technology."
The final production model will also have a lower center of gravity and better acceleration than the concept car shown last year. As a result of the partnership, the production Morgan EV3 will feature a new, more robust architecture, greater torque levels, and a stiffer chassis. Replacing the 3 Wheeler's 80-hp V-twin engine is a liquid-cooled 56-hp electric motor driving the rear wheel powered by a 21 kWh. Despite packing a heavy electric powertrain, the EV3 weighs less than 500 kg, which is significantly lighter than the 525 kg standard 3 Wheeler so it should be exhilarating to drive. New carbon-fiber composite body panels contribute to the EV3's weight loss, marking the first time Morgan has used the lightweight material.
Performance is said to be comparable to the Morgan 3 Wheeler, so it should be able to hit 0-62 mph in around seven seconds, making it two seconds quicker off the line than the concept revealed last year. The design is said to be inspired by 1930s aero-engine race cars, classic motorcycles and 1950s fantasy automatons. "We are delighted to announce our technical partnership with Frazer-Nash Energy Systems as we enter this exciting phase of EV3 production," said Steve Morris, Managing Director of Morgan. "We have been working closely on optimizing the EV3's architecture in every way to develop a car which will offer proven reliability range and cooling performance.
The greatest challenge lies within introducing EV technology into our factory; work flows, customer experience and supporting dealer network in a robust and most importantly safe manner. Frazer-Nash Energy Systems offer us every confidence in achieving this. This will result in Morgan's first entrance to the world of EV being incredibly rewarding, but moreover sets the scene for many exiting future opportunities." Production will start in the third quarter of 2018 at Morgan's Pickersleigh Road factory in Worcestershire, UK. According to Autocar, two cars will be built per week with no production cap. Morgan has so far received 60 deposits while pre-production testing of the car is currently underway.