An anomaly, perhaps, but we’re glad its here anyhow, because the original 3-Wheeler was a oodles of fun to drive and look at. It’s the anti-Prius.
Granted, a Prius isn’t fully electric, but let’s continue the thought experiment. Out of all the cars at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, perhaps an electric motor stands to benefit the ever eccentric British carmaker Morgan the most.
Since the drawbacks to an all-electric vehicle, at least in 2016, are mostly practical, a car that is as disconnected from the practical aspects of motoring as the Morgan 3 Wheeler is a perfect recipient for combustionless transportation.
And while its forerunner used a 2.0-litre S&S V-twin motorcyle engine, the EV3 is powered by 46kW motor driving the single rear wheel, while its tubular space frame chassis encloses a 20KWh lithium ion battery array. That might not seem like a lot of power, but keep in mind that the EV3 weights less than 500kg.
Being so light, the battery and motor combination doesn’t have to exert itself all that much to get moving, enabling a claimed range of 240km on a single charge. Granted, future owners of the EV3 would very unlikely need to utilise even half of that predicted endurance for a spirited drive before heading home.
Morgan says that the EV3 shown off in Geneva is in the final “pre-production phase”, and that leaves room for tweaks and refinements and incremental improvements to its 145km/h top speed and 0-100km/h sprint time of 9 seconds. For reference, the petrol-powered 3 Wheeler takes 3 seconds less to reach 100km/h and has a top speed of 185km/h.
The whole idea of the Morgan EV3 defies the company’s ethos. This is an automaker that openly uses and advocates the use of wood in their decidedly retro looking sports cars, and their embrace of the electric motor does make one wonder what other might they choose to implement it.
Steve Morris, Managing Director of Morgan Technologies, said: “The EV3 is an exciting opportunity for our customers to enjoy the unique Morgan driving experience and the joy of tailored manufacture whilst remaining conscientious towards the future of our planet.”
The EV3 is planned to enter production in the fourth quarter of 2016, priced to be around the same ballpark as the petrol 3 Wheeler.
