Prototype off road EV with custom battery pack
Ariel Motor in the UK has developed a fully-electric prototype version of its ‘go-anywhere’ sportscar.
The e-Nomad off road EV concept car by Ariel Motor can hit 60mph in just 3.4 seconds, the same as the petrol version. This comes from the 41kW, 450V battery pack and rear integrated motor, gearbox, and inverter unit producing a maximum power output of 210kW (281bhp).
It weighs 896kg from a natural fibre bio-composite bodywork that is recyclable and enhances aerodynamic efficiency to enable range of up to 150 miles (240km).
“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 customer feedback on the concept car,” said Simon Saunders, Ariel Director.
The design was developed with partners Rockfort Engineering and Bamd Composites, supported by a grant from the UK’s Department of Trade, via the Advanced Propulsion Centre, and Niche Vehicle Network.
Development of the experimental bodywork fitted to the E-Nomad used the cloud-based Bramble CFD software, enabling Ariel to explore multiple aerodynamic possibilities to reduce the drag by 30% while maintaining downforce and balance. Much of the drag reduction is derived from the roof panel, which also houses a full-size spare wheel.
E-Nomad is fitted with Ariel’s new ABS system with driver selectable on- and off-road modes and has regenerative braking, feeding energy back to the battery and allowing one pedal driving. A central switch panel allows selection of drive, neutral, reverse, and park settings with secondary functions to activate battery heater, charge system and switch between driving modes. In addition to displaying speed and air temperature, the AIM Technologies TFT instrumentation incorporates EV specific data including battery and inverter information, powertrain temperatures; drive mode; and battery charge status. The concept car also features a full data logging system and a host of other readouts that Ariel will use as part of its evaluation and development programme.
A revised Power Delivery Management (PDM) whole vehicle electrical system manages battery power states allowing automatic system ‘wake up’ or ‘sleep’ for charging and battery management, while minimising low battery drain during periods without use.
The 450-volt E-Nomad battery pack, developed specifically for the car by Rockfort Engineering, features the company’s all-new, adaptable Pegasus V3 modules that use high energy lithium-ion pouch cells. These modules offer best-in-class energy density to prioritise performance and range without compromising weight. The E-Nomad uses twelve Pegasus V3 modules with a total capacity of 41kW and power output of 210kW.
The E-Nomad uses a Cascadia Motion IDM90 combined motor, gearbox, and DX inverter drive unit weighing only 92kg. Powering the rear wheels, the unit features a Borg Warner eDM motor spinning to 12,000rpm and single speed transmission with reduction gearing of 8.28:1. A limited slip differential and parking lock are also part of the E-Nomad specification. The drive unit is water cooled via a secondary system, independent of the battery, from the front mounted, split-circuit radiator.
Situated behind the driver / passenger bulkhead, the single battery pack is capable of AC (Type 2) and DC (CCS2) fast charging. This enables the E-Nomad to be charged at home on a normal domestic supply, or via a dedicated fast charger in under 25 minutes from 20% – 80%.
The powertrain is managed via a Rockfort Engineering tuneable control system allowing for changes in power delivery, regen, and different performance maps to suit the usage and driving characteristics. Driver adjustability will feature in further developments of the car, maintaining Ariel’s ethos of allowing the driver control over vehicle systems.
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