Hansen
Looks like everyone is getting in on the Electric Vehicle game. This is pure sacrilege for some of the staff in ShiftingLanes, but me personally, I welcome the coming of the electric overlords with open arms. In the long run electric vehicles will be CHEAPER to build, MUCH more efficient, and A LOT more powerful than their internal combustion engine brethrens. If you don’t believe it just take a look at what we had to say in our Tesla Model S review.
The next player to enter the electric car game is Morgan Motor Company, a maker of vintage wooden cars. They are shoe-horning electric bits into the ash wood frame, that has been covered with hand formed aluminum and carbon fiber panels. They built a concept of the EV3 back in 2015, and this latest build is their final preproduction version for the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.
We love the UK for doing crazy stuff like this. Not only can they make beautiful McLarens and Aston Martins, they can go crazy old school and do it in style and perfect execution, blending modern with vintage flawlessly.
Checkout the video below of the Wooden Electric Vehicle, EV3, in action:
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Here’s the press release by the wooden car manufacturer:
Morgan launches EV3
• The Morgan EV3 will be the first production EV to be built by the company
• Production to start in Q4 of 2016
• Pricing and performance figures will be comparable to the petrol 3 Wheeler
• Operational range of 150 miles
• Launch coincides with the announcement that a consortium led by Morgan will receive
government funding towards advanced propulsionThe Morgan EV3 today makes its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The EV3 looks at the world of zero emissions motoring from an entirely different perspective, what if an all-electric vehicle was bespoke, hand crafted and exhilarating to drive? The EV3 embraces new technology, delivers responsible driving excitement and continues to celebrate traditional British craftsmanship.
Following a soft launch of the Phase 1 concept EV3 in 2015, Morgan is excited to showcase the nal “pre-production phase” car which reveals the restyled body and interior. Weighing less than 500kg, the all-electric 3 Wheeler has a range of 150 miles.
Lightweight agility is complemented by performance figures that challenge those of the petrol 3 Wheeler. 0-62mph takes less than 9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 90mph. Encased within the tubular space frame chassis is a 20KWh Lithium Battery and a liquid cooled 46kW motor driving the rear wheel.
The EV3 is the first Morgan vehicle to utilise composite carbon panels in its body construction. The carbon bonnet, tonneau cover and side pods are made in the UK, and much like the remaining aluminium panels, are hand worked over an ash wood frame. Taking inspiration from 1930’s aero- engine race cars, classic motorcycles and 1950’s fantasy automatons, the face of the EV3 is designed to function. Brass conductive cooling fins encase the batteries and an off-centre tri-bar headlight adds to the overall asymmetry of the design.
The dramatic tail lift once seen on 1930’s Morgan 3 Wheeler race cars, has been re-introduced, subsequently creating a visually forward stance. This is enhanced with low slung running lights that carry through the cylindrical form of the side pods. An entirely new dashboard arrangement features a classic ‘magneto’ switch for drive selection, a digital screen, wood, brass and polished aluminium.
The EV3 will go into production in the fourth quarter of 2016 and will be priced comparably to the petrol 3 Wheeler. This launch coincides with an announcement that the Morgan Motor Company will receive government funding towards a £6m consortium based project developing future hybrid and full EV Morgan vehicles.
“The EV3 is an exciting opportunity for our customers to enjoy the unique Morgan driving experience and the joy of tailored manufacture whilst remaining conscientious towards the future of our planet.”
– Steve Morris, Managing Director, Morgan Technologies Ltd.
Source: Morgan-Motors
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