All-electric Morgan EV3 project “off the table” for now
Buyers of Morgan’s all-electric 3 Wheeler—the EV3—were supposed to be enjoying silent, electron-powered, open-air motoring by now. But due to difficulties with engineering firm Frazer-Nash, Morgan is now putting the brakes on the project, according to The Telegraph, despite assurances that the boutique auto manufacturer is “committed to the idea.”
“It’s off the table in terms of a date,” a spokesman told The Telegraph.
When the Morgan EV3 broke cover at the 2016 Geneva motor show, it seemed like the perfect marriage of old and new. Billed as an all-electric version of the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler, it boasted a range of 150 miles, a top speed above 90 mph, and a 0-60-mph sprint in under 9 seconds. It maintained the tradition of an ash wood frame, but also would have been the first production Morgan to use carbon fiber for body panels, alongside aluminum.
However, it appears that Frazer-Nash is in legal hot water over its inability to settle unpaid debts, and the engineering firm has yet to deliver the EV3’s all-electric powertrain. Autocar reports that Morgan expected a “turn-key” system, but given the turn of events, the Malvern-based manufacturer will instead dedicate more in-house resources to EV research and development.
This is a real bummer, but it is reassuring that the EV3 isn’t necessarily dead for good. With any luck it’ll reappear down the road even better yet.
