Morgan, Fellten EV collaboration is go
FELLTEN has announced details of a collaboration with Morgan Motor Company this week, the venture one it says will blend tradition with innovation as it works to jointly develop the electric XP-1 prototype, a modern-day take on the classic Morgan 3 Wheeler.
The Bristol-based company says the opportunity allows it to showcase the integration of Fellten’s cutting edge-battery technology, the forthcoming model to feature a sophisticated and lightweight 33kW module that is said to ensure “dynamic performance”.
Fellten’s contribution to the XP-1 also includes a state-of-the-art battery management system it says plays a pivotal role in maintain the vehicle’s lightweight architecture, while at the same time offering efficiency, ease of integration, rapid charging, advanced thermal management properties, and robust power delivery characteristics.
“Fellten’s collaboration with the Morgan Motor Company on the XP-1 prototype underscores our commitment to leading the conversion-to-electric revolution,” said Fellten chief executive officer, Chris Hazell.
“We are dedicated to innovation and quality, striving to blend tradition with modern technology on a large scale. We invite trade and industry partners to join us in shaping an electrified and sustainable future.”
The 302-volt battery pack to be featured in the Morgan XP-1 weighs in at 230kg, or around half the dry weight of the preceding S&S V-Twin powered 3 Wheeler (525kg dry).
“It has been great to be able to work with industry-leading experts like Fellten to provide a one-off battery for our new experimental prototype, XP-1,” said Morgan Motor Company chief technical officer, Matthew Hole.
“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 upon 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. We will be relentless in our pursuit of preserving these characteristics for our customers for generations to come.”
The current-generation Morgan Super 3 is powered by a Ford-sourced three-cylinder petrol engine displacing 1.5 litres. The 635kg successor to the 3 Wheeler was introduced in 2021 offers 87kW of power and 149Nm of torque, driving the rear wheel via a Mazda-sourced five-speed manual transmission.
With its super-formed aluminium monocoque body, the Super 3 is the first Morgan three-wheeler to do away with the traditional wooden substructure. The diminutive model measures 3581mm in length, 1850mm in width and 1132mm in height.
Morgan says the Super 3’s body design was influenced by aerodynamics and mechanical requirements (i.e., bringing the engine inboard). The cast aluminium structures – finished in black or silver – that give the Super 3 its distinctive face also brace the engine and some suspension components, while directing air over the Fiesta-sourced engine’s side-mounted cooling packs.
The “face” of the Super 3 portrays the familiar two headlights and horseshoe grille with machined aluminium turrets housing the indicators and positioning (park) lights. Morgan says that all the elements of the Super 3’s wishbones, pull-rod suspension and headlight structure have been honed to assist airflow to the radiators behind them.
At the rear, the Super 3’s body tapers to a streamlined finish corrupted only by an exposed rib, which forms a beltline around the midpoint of the vehicle. Morgan said this design cue was a nod to seam joining techniques deployed on mid-century aircraft fuselages and the belly tanks of early jets. It sits atop an exposed cut-off tailpipe and cast tail-light and number plate brackets.
