Ariel E-Nomad is an 896kg glimpse into the future

The E-Nomad can match the performance of its petrol-powered sibling with 0-60mph taking 3.4 seconds thanks to a 286PS (210kW) and 490Nm of torque (361lb ft) electric motor mounted at the rear. It weighs 92kg and runs through a single-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential.

Power comes from a 41kWh battery that weighs 300kg, is reportedly good for 150 miles between charges, and can charge from 20-80 per cent in less than 25 minutes. 

When a Mini Cooper Electric weighs 1,600kg, the Nomad’s 896 kg kerb weight is genuinely remarkable and comes thanks in no small part to its bare, scaffolding-like construction. But also because it has natural fibre bio-composite bodywork that helps smooth out the aerodynamics.

It’s produced from the cellulose fibres of flax plants, which have excellent tensile strength and stiffness, and the plant itself is carbon-capturing. The aero package reduces drag by 30 per cent, much of which is thanks to the spare-wheel-hiding roof panel. 

Based on the Nomad 2, the E-Nomad gets ABS and drive modes for on and off road, eco and sport, and the car has regenerative brakes that allow for one-pedal driving.

Simon Saunders, Ariel Director, said: “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. Once it has been through our usual, gruelling testing regime, we could opt to add E-Nomad alongside its ICE Nomad 2 sibling, so we’ll take great interest in getting customer feedback on the concept car.”  

The E-Nomad concept will debut at the Cenex Expo 2024 on 4 September at UTAC Millbrook.