Morgan presents electric three-wheeler
After Morgan shelved plans to launch an electric version of its Threewheeler in 2018, the company is now showing the prototype of an electric Threewheeler in the form of the XP-1. However, this is not yet intended for production, but serves as a test environment for design, production and technical evaluation.
The XP-1 is powered by a 100 kW motor and has a 33 kWh battery. Weighing less than 700 kilograms, the Morgan XP-1 is only around 60 kilograms heavier than its petrol counterpart.
Morgan has not yet provided any further technical data, such as driving performance or charging. What is clear, however, is that the XP-1 has a CCS charging connection, meaning it can be supplied with power at DC fast-charging stations. And it also supports bidirectional charging – according to Morgan, “two important features that will help to future-proof the company’s ongoing development activities”.
As a purely experimental vehicle, the XP-1 was developed with a different focus than a potential production model. With regard to the drive system, the press release states: ‘The powertrain, engineered specifically for XP-1, gives Morgan’s engineers complete control of calibrations that vary the throttle and regeneration level at different speeds, in order to create a range of driving modes featuring a mix of driving characteristics. To aid with the identification of suitable component combinations for the powertrain – both for XP-1 and future Morgan electric models – an in-house developed full vehicle toolchain has been created.”
This toolchain is “key to modelling the compatibility and suitability of a range of different powertrain components, calculating the range prediction algorithm and simulating different scenarios that can help the company to benchmark against future requirements”. One concrete learning effect from the early development phase relates to aerodynamics. Although the redesigned front section changes the familiar design of the three-wheeler, its “experimental modifications” result in 33 per cent less drag.
The XP-1 was developed internally within twelve months and the vehicle is based on the Super 3 aluminium platform. A comprehensive test programme is now to be carried out over the next 18 to 24 months – which in turn may lead to a production model.
“As we embark on our electric journey, this prototype will become a focal point of the engineering and design process, providing a wealth of insight and helping to build up our in-house EV capability,” says Morgan CTO Matt Hole. “We are in no doubt that we can ensure future electric Morgan sports cars retain the core appeal of our current range, meaning they are fun to drive, lightweight, handcrafted and bespoke. We will be relentless in our pursuit of preserving these characteristics for our customers for generations to come.”
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