Skip to main content

How One of the Oldest Automakers Made the All-Electric EV3 Wheeler

Ever since Morgan Motor Company was established over a century ago, the U.K. automaker has delivered hand-crafted vehicles that focus on driver pleasure and vehicle aesthetics above all.

Recommended Videos

The automaker’s first model, the classic V-twin three-wheeler, is as important to the brand’s rich history as is its practice of using wood in constructing core elements of its vehicles. The F Series three-wheeler that was built between 1932 and 1953 was the inspiration for the Morgan three-wheeler revival that has been embraced by the automotive world since 2011.

While the marque has carved a niche with BMW-sourced, limited-run, retro-styled sports cars, the three-wheeler’s rebirth has helped elevate the automaker’s visibility and “cool factor.” Riding on the stylish success of that model, the automaker has now introduced its first-ever all-electric model, the EV3.

Instead of simply swapping the standard three-wheeler’s 1983 cc V-twin for an electric motor and calling it a day, Morgan went to the trouble of thoroughly re-engineering its EV3 and giving it a unique modern styling. Unlike the EV3 concept, the production vehicle offers much more to look at than merely a sleek tubular body. At the front, the roadster’s electric motor and battery resemble elegant gold piano keys and are complemented by an off-center main headlight.

Powering the EV3 is a 20kWh lithium battery and a liquid-cooled 46kW electric motor that manages 150 miles on a single charge. The EV3 can sprint to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds and tops out at 90 mph, which is a good bit off the pace of the petrol-powered three-wheeler. Another first for Morgan is the use of composite carbon fiber in the bodywork, while the rest of its figure is made from aluminum. Thanks to these lightweight components, the all-electric three-wheeler actually weighs less than its V-twin sibling, at 1,100 pounds.

While its performance won’t rival any genuine sports cars, Morgan’s vehicles have never been about all-out speed. The EV3’s design, open-top joys, and connected driving experience add up to a distinctive vehicle.

According to Morgan, the EV3 will go into production during the fourth quarter of 2016, and “will be priced comparably to the gasoline three-wheeler,” which sells for about $36,000.

While most current electric vehicles are designed to be utilitarian commuter instruments, the EV3 stands out in offering hope for enthusiasts in a world that’s transitioning to alternative energy formats. If we can enjoy an EV as an escape rather than a tool, then there’s hope for a satisfying transition from gas to electric engineering.

Check out Worthly for more info. and the EV3 launch trailer.

Miles Branman
Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…
Topics
A golf cart manufacturer may have just made your new favorite EV — the CRU Car
The CRU Car is the perfect EV for getting around your neighborhood
cru car ev nev club

Think about how you use your vehicle. For most, it’s a lot of short commutes and shuttling people around. Those without a vehicle to get around might not see the purpose in owning a highway-ready hauler for jaunts around town. CRU, the latest offering from established golf cart manufacturer Club Car, may be able to do everything most of us want a vehicle to do, particularly an entry-level EV.

CRU is a NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle), much like a stretched golf cart. It’s not focused on toting golf bags around while you angrily drive to your latest sliced drive sitting dozens of yards off the fairway. Instead, CRU is meant for hauling people and groceries and is designed to be customizable. Its base configuration is a bit limousine-like, with an L-shaped bench in the rear of the vehicle and two seats up front. There’s an optional table in the back, and the front passenger seat can swivel around to face those sitting in the back. The CRU’s rear seating compartment is only open on one side – the right curb-facing side – for a few unique reasons.

Read more
Louis Vuitton bespoke Trophy Trunk and signage celebrate the 2025 Montreal Grand Prix
Louis Vuitton extends a 125-year plus racing tradition
Louis Vuitton trophy case for the 2025 Montreal Grand Prix.

Continuing a traditional association with automobile racing that began in 1897, Louis Vuitton presented a bespoke Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk that held the 2025 Montreal Grand Prix winner's trophy presented to the victor of the competition, Mercedes driver George Russell. This trophy trunk was not the first this year; it also created a unique Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.

Louis Vuitton also introduced new signage at the Montreal Grand Prix that features the atelier's focus on vibrant culture, velocity, and heat. Louis Vuitton's association with Formula 1 racing this year aligns with a company tradition, encapsulated in the slogan "Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton."
Why create a bespoke trunk for the Montreal Grand Prix

Read more
Mercedes-Benz reveals Concept AMG GT XX high-performance EV platform front runner
Mercedes concept boasts 1,3421 horsepower and 223 mph top speed
Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX left front three-quarter view.

The dramatically orange vehicle photos accompanying this article represent the future of Mercedes-Benz's performance EVs. Mercedes-AMG introduces the Concept AMG GT XX four-door sports car as the "first series-production model" of Mercedes's comprehensive AMG.EA high-performance architecture.

Mercedes-AMG did not reveal a price or production date, but didn't hold back on performance numbers. The Concept AMG GT XX has a combined 1,341 horsepower from three axial flux electric motors, 223 mph top speed, and the capability of charging 248 miles of range in about five minutes.
The tech behind the performance numbers

Read more