http://gas2.org/2014/11/05/electric-morgan-three-wheeler-consideration/ Electric Morgan Three-Wheeler Under Consideration [2014/11/05]
When the Morgan Three-Wheeler returned to the market after nearly a 60 year hiatus, the owners expected to sell 400 or 500 of the niche vehicles. But they’ve since sold triple that number in a report by The Telegraph, and orders continue to pour in as word gets around; it’s gotten to the point where an electric version is even under consideration. Morgan is a niche automaker in every sense of the word, able to produce at most about 1,000 vehicles per year. About half that production is the three-wheeler, which is much more capacity than Morgan had expected to need, with the rest of its small lineup splitting the other half. Morgan already offers an electric version of the Plus 8 called the Plus E, but for their 100th anniversary they decided to harken back to a simpler time, when three-wheelers were a much more common sight on highways and byways. With a starting price of around $40,000, the Three-Wheeler is definitely a niche luxury vehicle, and converting it into an electric vehicle would only add costs compared to the motorcycle drivetrain that currently powers it. Yet there’s a growing appeal among the wealthy for electric vehicles, and Morgan is probably just small enough to really sell the idea of instant torque and an even lower center of gravity for the Three-Wheeler. While it would have a much more limited range, it’s not like many people are taking the Morgan for extended drives to begin with ... [© gas2.org] http://www.morgan-motor.co. [you kay] /mmc/carrange/pluse/plusemorgan.html PLUS E Electric Morgan [image http://www.morgan-motor.co. [you kay] /img/mediacentre/pluse/pluse1.jpg ] DESCRIPTION An electric sportscar with a five-speed manual gearbox has been designed by Morgan with the support of British technology specialists Zytek and Radshape. Shown as a concept to test market reaction, the radical new roadster could enter production if there is sufficient demand. “We wanted to see how much fun you can have in an electric sportscar, so we have built one to help us find out,” explained Morgan operations director Steve Morris. “The Plus E combines Morgan’s traditional look with high-technology construction and a powertrain that delivers substantial torque instantly at any speed. With the manual gearbox to increase both touring range and driver involvement, it will be a fantastic car to drive.” The Plus E is based on a tailored version of Morgan’s lightweight aluminium platform chassis clothed in the revised ‘traditional’ body from the new BMW V8-powered Plus 8, also launched at Geneva. Power is delivered by a new derivative of Zytek’s 70kW (94bhp) 300Nm electric engine, which is already proven with US vehicle manufacturers. Mounted in the transmission tunnel, the Zytek unit drives the rear wheels through a conventional five-speed manual gearbox. When the clutch pedal is pressed, electronic controls automatically match motor revs to the output shaft speed to ensure a perfect change. “A multi-speed transmission allows the motor to spend more time operating in its sweet spot, where it uses energy more efficiently, particularly at high road speeds,” explained Zytek Automotive managing director Neil Heslington. “It also allows us to provide lower gearing for rapid acceleration and will make the car more engaging for keen drivers.”The programme will deliver two engineering concept vehicles. The first, with the five-speed manual box and Liion batteries, will be used for preliminary engineering assessment while the second will be closer to potential production specification, with alternative battery technologies and possibly a sequential gearbox. “The superb capability of the finished car reflects the passion with which the Zytek team has applied their considerable expertise,” adds Morris. “The project is a true collaboration aimed at delivering as much driving pleasure as possible in a zero emissions vehicle. It worked really well, with aluminium fabrication specialist Radshape paying particular attention to retaining chassis stiffness and weight distribution to ensure excellent dynamics and ride quality with good steering feel.” The collaborative research and development project is part-funded by a £100,000 grant from the UK Government’s Niche Vehicle Network Programme, which is mana. SPECIFICATION PLUS E SPECIFICATION Engine 70kW Zytek E Driv Gearbox Mazda 5 speed Max Power 70kw (94bhp) Max Torque 380Nm (280lb/ft) Performance 0 - 62 6.0 seconds Top Speed 115 mph (185 kph) Power to weight 128 bhp / tonne Co2 0.0g / km (at tailpipe) Length 4010mm Width 1751mm Height 1220mm Dry weight 1,250 kg Homologation N / A Chassis Aluminium bonded+rivetted VIEW PRESS RELEASE http://www.morgan-motor.co. [you kay] /mmc/downloads/pressreleases/plusegenevapressrelease.pdf [MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY © Copyright 2011] For EVLN posts use: http://www.evdl.org/archive/index.html#nabble+template%2FNamlServlet.jtp%3Fmacro%3Dsearch_page%26node%3D413529%26query%3Devln+-re%26sort%3Ddate http://www.lowcards.com/chargepoint-electric-car-charge-stations-accept-paypal-28667 ChargePoint EVSE Now Accepts PayPal http://evfleetworld.co. 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