Ariel, a small British company known for developing segment-bending sports cars, has unveiled an electric version of its Nomad 2 off-roader. While still at the concept stage, the E-Nomad will create a new niche in the EV space if it receives the proverbial green light for production.

Going electric wasnt an excuse to tone down the styling, and the E-Nomad looks just as wild as the Nomad 2 its based on. Sitting high off the ground, its characterized by two pairs of three headlights that give it a bug eye look, wheels that stick out from the body, and a highly functional interior. Theres nothing else quite like it on the road; its pegged at the intersection of sports cars, SUVs, and dune buggies.

Power for the E-Nomad comes from a rear-mounted motor rated at 281 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. Its linked to a 41-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and it unlocks a zero-to-60-mph sprint of 3.4 seconds. For context, the E-Nomad is as quick to 60 mph as the base Nomad 2, which is powered by a turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 260 horsepower in its most basic state of tune.

One advantage that comes with using a relatively small battery pack is that its fairly quick to charge. Plugging the concept vehicle into a fast charger takes the pack from 20% to 80% in under 25 minutes, Ariel states. Alternatively, you can charge the battery using a regular household outlet.

Ariel explains it needed to fit the E-Nomad with body panels to reduce drag, which is one of the enemies of range. It made the add-ons with a material manufactured using flax fibers. Its strong, eco-friendly, and about 9% lighter than carbon fiber. The concept weighs roughly 1,975 pounds, meaning its approximately 400 pounds heavier than the gasoline-burning Nomad, and it offers up to 150 miles of range. That figure wont qualify it for the long-range label, but keep in mind the Nomad isnt envisioned as a long-distance cruiser. Its for short, fun trips.

Theres no word yet on whats next for the E-Nomad, but one of Ariels top executives suggested that production is possible.

While the E-Nomad is a concept, it does show production intent for the vehicle and hints at just a small part of Ariels future. Once it has been through our usual, grueling testing regime, we could opt to add E-Nomad alongside its ICE-powered Nomad 2 sibling, so well take great interest in customer feedback on the concept car, explained Simon Saunders, the companys director, in a statement.

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