It’s only been a matter of weeks since Ariel released the Nomad 2, but already the Somerset-based firm is expanding the concept - quite literally. The E-Nomad, as the name suggests, is electric but the word Concept could easily be switched for Prototype in this instance, such is the quality of the finished item. This isn’t merely a case of removing the 2.3 litre turbocharged engine and installing any silent powertrain that’s available, but something much more.

Efficiency is a key part of making any electric car viable as something to use every day - or as is more likely with a car like this, every weekend - and the easiest way to gain efficiency is to reduce weight wherever possible. The E-Nomad therefore has pioneering new bodywork that is made from lightweight flax fibre which is claimed to be 9% lighter than the equivalent carbon fibre panels. The car also features a roof for the first time, and this houses the full sized spare wheel. The updated bodywork results in a 30% drag reduction when compared to the Ford-powered Nomad 2.

Sitting behind the passenger cabin as opposed to beneath the floor, the bespoke 41 kWh capacity battery weighs less than 300 kg, and this is inclusive of the integrated thermal management systems that keep the unit at its ideal operating temperature. Independent cooling comes courtesy of a radiator at the nose of the car, while a supplementary heater can be used to heat the battery if you’re in the mood for taking the direct route in the depths of winter.

Taking power from the battery is the single rear-mounted electric motor that is integrated with the inverter and gearbox. This weighs just 92 kg, so with the battery factored in you may be expecting a weight increase over the petrol Nomad of around 350-400 kg, but you’d be wrong; the E-Nomad is 181 kg heavier than its stablemate, tipping the scales at an impressive 896 kg. As important as efficiency is for an EV, performance is more important for an Ariel, and the motor provides 281 bhp and 361 lb ft (490 Nm) to the rear wheels through a single speed transmission. The motor can spin at up to 12,000 rpm and although no top speed is listed, Ariel claims that it will take just 3.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is identical to the petrol version. 

Helping to make use of the instantly available performance is a limited-slip differential, which is something that I’m starting to think is essential for performance EVs. The E-Nomad retains overland capability with all-terrain tyres, along with Ohlins long-travel suspension on each corner. Regenerative braking is available and works in conjunction with a new anti-lock braking system.

The regen, one-pedal driving effect and power delivery will be customisable in “future developments” of the car, similar to how the drivetrain can be tweaked by the drivers of the current Nomad and Atom. Ariel says that a driving range of up to 150 miles is possible, which may just be enough in a car with no doors or windows. DC charging is supported, meaning that a 20-80% top up can be completed in under 25 minutes, and the car can be charged at home with a flat to full charge needing around 6 hours by my calculations.

For a “concept” car, the E-Nomad seems like a very thoroughly thought out and engineered project, with the materials, aerodynamics, drivetrain, charging and handling making use of seemingly production-ready components and technologies. There are already hints of “future developments” and Ariel Director Simon Saunders has said: “ 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  Nomad 2 sibling, so we’ll take great interest in customer feedback on the concept car.”

The E-Nomad keeps the unique styling of the much-loved Nomad, but pairs it with a tailor-made powertrain that should allow the car to retain a lot of its handling and performance characteristics in spite of a quieter method of propulsion. Morgan have done the same with their XP-1 prototype - an electric Super 3 which was named after our first print magazine (probably) - and Caterham showed an EV Seven prototype at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed I expect there to be great interest from customers, and it won’t be long before the word Concept is dropped and the name shortened to E-Nomad if, and when, it reaches production.