by Fastlane » Wed Nov 18, 2020 3:53 pm
I was thinking the same, unless they get some sort of stay of execution due to being a small manufacturer?
The hipercar is a hybrid, so they will have to dump the engine and go full BEV, or scrap it altogether. Given the number of very high end electric cars being developed now by very well funded companies like Rimac and Tesla, and that this will only increase as the likes of Ferrari et al are forced to embrace BEVs, I am not sure Ariel could compete in this space without a wealthy partner.
The obvious solution would be to carry on building Atoms and Nomads and continue to partner with Honda to source electric motors from the future Honda Civic Type R, but perhaps combine it with a smaller battery from a future Honda E or look at structural batteries built into the chassis/frame. This will keep the weight down and provide an adequate range of say 100-150 miles. EV powertrain technology is moving very quickly and I would hope that a motor and battery pack in 9 years time will weigh not much more than a fully dressed K20 lump and gearbox now.
The question is, would an Ariel Atom or Nomad be too compromised without a combustion engine? That will be too much for some, but a new generation of owners, who are used to EVs, will hopefully still want an exciting, fun lightweight (electric) car...
I was thinking the same, unless they get some sort of stay of execution due to being a small manufacturer?
The hipercar is a hybrid, so they will have to dump the engine and go full BEV, or scrap it altogether. Given the number of very high end electric cars being developed now by very well funded companies like Rimac and Tesla, and that this will only increase as the likes of Ferrari et al are forced to embrace BEVs, I am not sure Ariel could compete in this space without a wealthy partner.
The obvious solution would be to carry on building Atoms and Nomads and continue to partner with Honda to source electric motors from the future Honda Civic Type R, but perhaps combine it with a smaller battery from a future Honda E or look at structural batteries built into the chassis/frame. This will keep the weight down and provide an adequate range of say 100-150 miles. EV powertrain technology is moving very quickly and I would hope that a motor and battery pack in 9 years time will weigh not much more than a fully dressed K20 lump and gearbox now.
The question is, would an Ariel Atom or Nomad be too compromised without a combustion engine? That will be too much for some, but a new generation of owners, who are used to EVs, will hopefully still want an exciting, fun lightweight (electric) car...