Morgan goes electric  19 | 08 | 2011

MORGAN, THAT SHINING beacon of British car manufacturing, is teaming up with a consortium of technology specialists to develop an electric model. The first two concept vehicles produced by the Morgan +E partnership are expected early in 2012.

Both cars will be based on a development of Aero Supersport’s aluminium chassis with the 4.8 litre BMW V8 replaced by a new derivative of a Zytek high power-density electric powertrain driving through a conventional manual gearbox.

Part-funded by a £100,000 grant from the Niche Vehicle Network CR&D Programme, which is managed by CENEX to provide support and grant funding to groups of companies active in the niche vehicle sector, the collaborative research and development project will deliver an unusual result.

While the prototype Morgan will use a new derivative of Zytek’s proven 70kW (94bhp) 300Nm electric powertrain, and power will come from a lithium-ion battery pack, unusually drive from the electric motor is taken through the standard manual gearbox.

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“This is an exciting investigation into the potential for a zero-emissions Morgan with near supercar performance," Steve Morris, Morgan operations director, said.

“By working closely with Zytek and Radshape, who already have considerable expertise in this field, we aim to make this a realistic concept that could lead to further developments if demand and other factors prove favourable.”

Zytek has an established track record with high-performance electric vehicles. Back in 1997 it converted a Lotus Elise to electric drive. The design led to engineering programmes with Chrysler and General Motors, closely followed by a long-term relationship with Daimler to develop and build electric powertrains for the Smart Fortwo ed (electric drive).

Three wheels on my Morgan!

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Jamie Edwardes