A new, high-performance electric
sportscar prototype is being developed by the Morgan Motor
Company and a consortium of British technology specialists. The
Morgan +E programme will deliver two engineering concept
vehicles early in 2012. Both will be based on a development of
the proven Aero Supersport’s aluminium chassis with the 4.8
litre BMW V8 replaced by a new derivative of Zytek’s high
power-density electric powertrain driving through a conventional
manual gearbox.“This is
an exciting investigation into the potential for a
zero-emissions Morgan with near supercar performance,” says
Morgan’s Operations Director, Steve Morris. “By working closely
with Zytek and Radshape, who already have considerable expertise
in this field, we aim to make this a realistic concept that
could lead to further developments if demand and other factors
prove favourable.”
Zytek’s first experience with a
high-performance electric sportscar was back in 1997 when it
converted a Lotus Elise to electric drive. The Award-winning
design led to engineering programmes with Chrysler and General
Motors, closely followed by a long-term relationship with
Daimler to develop and build electric powertrains for the smart
fortwo ed (electric drive). In motorsport, Zytek was the first
company to race a hybrid at Le Mans and supplied technology for
the first KERS-equipped Formula 1 car to win a grand prix. A new
lost cost KERS has also been developed by Zytek and has been
tested by Honda for potential use in the 2012 super GT series.
The prototype Morgan will use a
new derivative of Zytek’s proven 70kW (94bhp) 300Nm electric
powertrain, which is already supplied to US vehicle
manufacturers. The compact, lightweight unit will be installed
in the transmission tunnel and will require just three
additional connections (cooling water, high voltage electrics
and low voltage electrics).
Power will come from a Li-Ion
battery pack integrated into the vehicle’s aluminium structure,
offering a lightweight and powerful solution with safety systems
already proven in production applications. The powertrain and
batteries will be mounted in a bonded and riveted aluminium
chassis constructed by precision metal former Radshape, based on
an evolution of the design already manufactured by the company
for Morgan’s Supersports range.
