Image via Ariel Motor Co
Ariel has been making ultra-lightweight track toys that can be legally driven on roads for some time. The average person likely isn’t even aware of the brand’s existence, demonstrating its almost exclusive appeal to enthusiasts. That draw more recently has been extended to those wanting off-road adventures with the Nomad. Now, Ariel is flirting with an electric future by showing off its E-Nomad concept.
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The British automaker claims the all-electric E-Nomad doesn’t water down the type of wild performance customers have come to expect. At the same time, the concept is made of sustainable materials, showing it’s more than just the paint that’s green.
Proving the all-electric off-roader is hardcore, Ariel says the E-Nomad can do 0-60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. That’s possible thanks to a Cascadia Motion IDM90 drive unit with 41 kWh battery and 281-horsepower plus 361 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, all pulling just 1,975 lbs.
That power-to-weight ratio is made possible in part from the natural fiber bio-composite bodywork. The lightweight but strong material is made of flax, hence the more sustainable construction.
With that kind of power, traction is always a concern, especially when venturing off the paved path. A limited-slip differential helps with that, as do rugged tires with the same fenders to protect from rock throws, mud, and more.
This concept was built to explore what future Ariels might become one day. The company is gauging public interest in all-electric models like the E-Nomad. Obviously, if it feels there are enough people willing to pay for such a thing, it will go into production sometime in the future. If not, then this might just be an interesting footnote in the history of Ariel.
We think it’s nice to see an electric vehicle which doesn’t look like a giant jellybean or a grade schooler’s drawing and has some excitement about it. Whether or not it’s the future remains to be seen.
Images via Ariel Motor Co
