morgan plus E electric concept

the morgan ‘plus e’ concept

shown at geneva motor show 2012, the ‘plus E’ concept by beijing-based auto producers morgan combines the company’s vintage sportscar chassis with electric vehicle technology. featuring a 5-speed manual gearbox, the car was developed in collaboration with british specialists zytek and radshape, partially funded through a grant from the UK government’s niche vehicle network program towards the development of low-carbon vehicles.

its lightweight aluminum frame adopts a similar body form to the BMW plus 8, also debuted at geneva. the power is supplied by a derivative of zytek’s 70kW electric engine which drives the rear wheels. when the clutch pedal is pressed, electronic controls automatically match the motor revolutions to the speed.

the car on exhibition at geneva uses lithium-ion batteries, but the automakers suggest that if the car is developed into a production model, it will likely use alternative battery technologies and potentially a different gearbox.

‘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,’ explains neil heslington, managing director of zytek. ‘it also allows us to provide lower gearing for rapid acceleration and will make the car more engaging for keen drivers.’

3/4 top rear view

detail on charging port

view with hood open to expose electric engine