Morgan Motor Company has partnered with electric car specialists Frazer-Nash Energy Systems as the all-electric Morgan EV3 prepares for production in 2018.
As a result of the partnership, the production EV3 will feature all-new, more robust architecture, greater levels of torque, a stiffer chassis and underslung battery beneath the skin. Encased within the tubular space frame chassis is a 21 KWh Lithium Battery and a liquid cooled 34.8kW (41.8kW peak) FN A010229 motor driving the rear wheel. The EV3 will have a range of 120 miles (193 km) and will provide occupants with a hands-on, exhilarating driving experience that has not previously been associated with electric vehicles.
The production Morgan EV3 is anticipated to have comparable performance figures to its petrol sibling which, using a 2.0L S&S V-Twin engine with 85 hp at the rear wheel, enjoys a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) sprint time of 6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) thanks to a curb weight of just 1,155 lbs. (525 kg).
Production will begin in Q3 of 2018 at Morgan’s Pickersleigh Road factory following the completion of the model’s rigorous test and development programme.
If the name Frazer-Nash rings any bells it’s because the firm was recently involved in a project to develop an electric London taxi under the Metrocab name.
Steve Morris, Managing Director of Morgan Motor Company, said:
“We are delighted to announce our technical partnership with Frazer-Nash Energy Systems as we enter this exciting phase of EV3 production. 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, combined with the pure driving experience that is expected of every hand-crafted Morgan.
“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.”
Noamaan Siddiqi, Managing Director, Frazer-Nash Energy Systems said:
“The EV3 plays an important role in Morgan’s future strategy. Achieving Zero Emissions using electrification is a requirement no manufacturer can afford to ignore. Morgan have always embraced the latest technology within their vehicles to ensure they can continue to build relevant handcrafted British sports cars.
“At Frazer-Nash Energy Systems, we appreciate the heritage and craft that Morgan brings to the world of EV technology and we in turn will bring decades of EV expertise to ensure that EV3 customers will receive a car that is reliable, proven and exhilarating to drive, a thoroughbred Morgan. We are very pleased to be able to provide energy management and propulsion systems to the EV3. A lightweight, spirited driving experience beneath a coach built body is key to the identity of any Morgan. This remains a core focus throughout the development of the EV3.”
