Prototype for future EVs

Morgan Motor Company has a new vehicle under development that will act as the forerunner to all its future electric sports cars.

Referred to as XP-1, the experimental prototype will provide key information to engineers and designers as they embark on creating the company’s first electric production models.

Developed over the past 14 months by Morgan’s team based in Worcestershire, England, the XP-1 is based on Super 3’s aluminium platform.

The prototype is not intended for production but has been created to enhance thinking in key areas such as driving characterisation, powertrain development, in-house EV competence and training, and feature ideation and testing. 

The XP-1 has now embarked on a comprehensive testing programme for up to two years, undergoing continual evolution to test new technology and features.

Matt Hole, chief technical officer, says: “We are immensely proud to be sharing the XP-1 with the world and showcasing some of the first-class engineering that takes place behind the scenes at Morgan. 

“As we embark on our electric journey, this prototype will become a focal point of the engineering and design process, providing a wealth of insight and helping to build up our in-house EV capability. 

“We are in no doubt that we can ensure future electric Morgan sports cars retain the core appeal of our current range meaning they are fun to drive, lightweight, handcrafted and bespoke.”

The XP-1’s battery, motor and inverter combination represents Morgan’s first powertrain, internal combustion or battery electric. 

The powertrain, engineered specifically for this project, gives Morgan’s engineers’ complete control of calibrations that vary the throttle and regeneration level at different speeds to create a range of driving modes featuring a mix of characteristics. 

To aid with identifying suitable component combinations for the powertrain – both for the XP-1 and future Morgan electric models – a full vehicle toolchain has been created in-house.

This toolchain is key to modelling the compatibility and suitability of different powertrain components, calculating the range prediction algorithm and simulating scenarios that can help the company to benchmark against future requirements.

Ensuring that future electric Morgan sports cars are lightweight is a key requirement. This is “fundamental” in the decision for the company to create its own powertrain combination, working with key partners and utilising industry-leading components. 

As such, the XP-1’s weight is comparable to that of the production car it is based on.

The car boasts a combined charging system for fast charging and features bi-directional charging capability, two important aspects that will help futureproof the company’s ongoing development activity. 

Further to this and related directly to EV requirements, the XP-1 is also the first-ever Morgan to be fitted with an electronic park brake.

Beyond experimentation with driving characteristics and powertrain, the project is allowing Morgan to develop a further understanding of wider EV technology and design, specifically aerodynamics. 

The XP-1 features front-end aerodynamic improvements for increased range and efficiency. These experimental modifications have resulted in a 33 per cent reduction of drag co-efficient.

A bespoke interior display allows for user-interface experimentation. The XP-1’s display will continually evolve, allowing engineers and designers to gather feedback on how users interact with it.

Other experimental features include external charge-level indicator LEDs surrounding the front cowl and new aerodynamic wheel trims.

In bringing the project to fruition, Morgan has started the extensive process of workforce training and infrastructure adaptation. 

Due to the company’s coachbuilding methods, the creation of this internal knowledgebase is seen as vital for the future production of electric Morgan sports cars, and will centre around workshop readiness to build EVs, training for high-voltage systems handling and installation of charging infrastructure.

As a presentable prototype, the XP-1 will become a visible project that takes the Morgan community along on the company’s journey to electrification. Sports-car fans can expect periodic instalments, and it popping up at factory events and further afield.