An electric car based on a two-seat, lightweight platform from a British manufacturer may sound familiar, but this Morgan electric vehicle concept is no case of déjà vu.
(Credit: Zytek)
A group of British companies is converting the Morgan Aero 8 to electric drive. Zytek, one of the primary contributors, is building the electric motor and several other components of the car. All up, the Morgan EV will have just 90kW of power, but 300Nm of torque. No estimates have been provided for range, nor have performance figures been announced.
Zytek built a concept Lotus Elise electric car in 1997, and developed a KERS system used in F1 racing cars.
Morgan has been offering the Aero 8 since 2001. Underneath the retro body is a lightweight aluminium frame, making it a good choice for an electric conversion; the regular production car uses a BMW-sourced 270kW/490Nm 4.8-litre V8.
One unusual detail about this electric car is that it will feature a manual gearbox. The makers claim that a manual transmission will allow for more efficient use of the available power.
A Morgan EV won't be competing with the Tesla Roadster anytime soon, though. Only two electric concept vehicles based on the Aero 8 are planned for 2012.
Via CNET
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