### Ariel Introduces the E-Nomad: An Electric Off-Roader with a Green Edge
The British automotive manufacturer Ariel, celebrated for its high-performance, low-production vehicles, has made a notable entry into the electric vehicle (EV) sector with the introduction of the E-Nomad. This fully electric off-roader is a modern iteration of Ariel’s renowned Nomad, a vehicle celebrated for its tough performance and features in mainstream media like *Top Gear* and *Forza Horizon*. The E-Nomad preserves the essence of its forerunner while incorporating a contemporary, eco-conscious approach.
#### A History of Excellence
Ariel’s story started with the Ariel Atom, a minimalist, high-performance automobile that gained legendary status following its appearance on *Top Gear*, where it famously left Jeremy Clarkson’s face contorting in the breeze. The Nomad, introduced later, took the Atom’s lightweight, performance-driven philosophy and modified it for off-road performance. Now, with the E-Nomad, Ariel is redefining the capabilities of an electric off-roader.
#### Dynamo Performance
The E-Nomad is crafted to rival the remarkable performance of its gasoline-powered counterpart. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (98 km/h) in a swift 3.4 seconds, all while fitted with all-terrain tires. This impressive speed is fueled by a 41 kWh battery pack, situated behind the cabin where the standard Nomad’s internal combustion engine and fuel tank would typically be found.
Sourced from Rockfort Engineering, the battery pack is a technical marvel, boasting “best-in-class energy density,” as stated by Ariel. Weighing under 660 lbs (300 kg), the battery powers a rear-mounted drive unit that delivers 281 hp (210 kW) and a peak torque of 361 lb-ft (490 Nm). The entire drive unit is engineered for minimal weight, with a total weight of just 202 lbs (92 kg).
#### Lightweight and Streamlined
A standout attribute of the E-Nomad is its weight—or rather, the lack thereof. Tipping the scales at only 1,975 lbs (896 kg), it is considerably lighter than the majority of EVs available today. This lightweight construction is essential for preserving the vehicle’s maneuverability and performance, particularly in off-road scenarios.
Aerodynamics are also pivotal in the design of the E-Nomad. While the vehicle retains the robust, open-frame aesthetic of the original Nomad, Ariel has implemented several design tweaks to lower drag by 30%. These modifications include more enclosed bodywork and fewer open gaps in the spaceframe chassis. Nevertheless, the E-Nomad’s form remains somewhat drag-prone, yielding a claimed range of 150 miles (240 km).
#### A Focus on Sustainability
Ariel’s transition to electric energy is not solely about performance; it’s also driven by sustainability. The E-Nomad aligns with a broader initiative from the company to delve into more eco-friendly practices in low-volume vehicle manufacturing. This effort incorporates the use of a flax-based composite material from Bamd Composites, which presents a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to standard carbon fiber.
Notably, this natural composite does not incur the typical weight disadvantages associated with such materials. In fact, Ariel asserts that the resulting panels are nine percent lighter than those made from traditional composites. Additionally, the carbon footprint associated with the tooling for these panels has been reduced by half, resulting in a savings of over 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg) in carbon emissions. Both the bodywork and tooling are recyclable, further bolstering the vehicle’s environmentally friendly attributes.
#### Innovative Features for the Contemporary Driver
The E-Nomad is not solely focused on performance and sustainability; it is also equipped with cutting-edge features intended to improve the driving experience. Ariel has created a new antilock braking system with selectable on- and off-road modes, enabling drivers to optimize performance for varying terrains. As an EV, the E-Nomad includes a one-pedal driving mode and an eco mode, reducing power and torque to extend the vehicle’s range.
#### The Future Ahead
Although the E-Nomad is still a concept, Ariel is eager to assess customer interest before making a decision on production. “While the E-Nomad is a concept, it does demonstrate production intent for the vehicle and hints at just a small segment of Ariel’s forthcoming plans,” stated Ariel director Simon Saunders. “Once it has undergone our standard rigorous testing process, we could choose to introduce E-Nomad alongside its ICE Nomad 2 sibling, so we are very interested in customer feedback on the concept car.”
In the interim, Ariel is also continuing development on its ambitious EV initiative, the Hipercar, a 1,180 hp (880 kW) coupe initially revealed in 2017. Work on the Hipercar is ongoing, with a production model potentially debuting next year.
