The Morgan 3 Wheeler is arguably the most fun one can have on three wheels. Its 1,989 cc V-twin motorcycle engine is paramount to the fun factor, as are the low weight and 6-second sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h). Now imagine the retro-tastic sportster without its S&S two-cylinder engine. Yup, Morgan made it happen and here it is - the 2016 Morgan EV3.
As a fusion of classic design and modern technology, the EV3 is a-OK by us. After presenting the Phase 1 concept back in 2015, Morgan turned the EV3 into a production-ready vehicle that weighs less than 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds). Not bad at all considering that the conventional Morgan 3 Wheeler weighs 525 kilograms (1,157 pounds) dry.
The zero-emissions British creation boasts a range of 150 miles (241 kilometers) on a full charge. Speaking of which, the marginally restyled body shell hides a tubular space frame chassis in which engineers encased a 46 kW electric motor driving the rear wheel and a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery.
According to the Malvern-based automaker, “early indications suggest a minimum 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h) time of less than 9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 90 mph (145 km/h).” Again,that’s not bad at all for an electric motor that churns out the equivalent to 62 PS or 61 HP horsepower.
Compared to other electric vehicles, the 2016 Morgan EV3 is a bespoke entity produced by master craftsmen, not by robots on an assembly line. The first Morgan to use carbon composite panels also utilizes aerospace-grade aluminum. And yes, the carbon fiber and aluminum panels are handworked over a classically correct ash wood frame.
The detail that does it for me is the asymmetric design, courtesy of the off-center headlight. More information on the 2016 Morgan EV3 will follow as we get it from the Geneva Motor Show floor.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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