The Morgan Motor Company has given a glimpse of what its first electric model could look like with the unveiling of the XP-1 concept car. 

Based on the Super 3 three-wheeler, the XP-1 is a fully functioning prototype but Morgan insists that it is not a production car or even a pre-production concept. Rather, it is a technical experiment to help the firm plan for an electrified future. 

Morgan’s designers and engineers have spent the last 12 months developing the car and will now carry out two years of testing to help drive their future plans. The prototype is being used to develop everything from the powertrain to the tools and IT systems needed to build an electric Morgan, as well as ensure the combustion-engined model’s driving characteristics are preserved. 

In place of the Super 3’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, the XP-1 is understood to use a 134bhp electric motor mounted in the transmission tunnel to power the single  rear wheel. A relatively small 33kWh battery gives around 150 miles of range thanks to the car’s light weight. 

Morgan says the XP-1’s weight - at around 700kg - is comparable to the petrol-powered Super 3 and it enjoys a 33% cut in its drag coefficient compared with the ICE model. The Worcestershire firm is experimenting with the flexibility of the electric powertrain to develop multiple driving modes for different on-road behaviour. 

The car looks a lot like the regular Super 3 but the front cowl now houses a CCS charging port with bidirectional charging and incorporates LEDs to indicate charge status. Inside, a completely new infotainment system replaces unnecessary ICE-related information with key data about the electric powertrain. 

Matt Hole, Morgan’s chief technical officer, commented: “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. We will be relentless in our pursuit of preserving these characteristics for our customers for generations to come.”

The retro looks hide new tech