Morgan Motor Company is making a definitive leap into the electric vehicle (EV) market with its all-new and all-electric development project, the XP-1. As an experimental prototype, the XP-1 is a harbinger of great things to come, heralding the era of Morgan’s electric sports cars. While the XP-1 will not enter production itself, its core purpose is to spearhead extensive research and development. Over the next 18-24 months, the prototype will undergo a comprehensive testing program that seeks to hone driving characteristics, powertrain development, and feature ideation. Morgan's Chief Technical Officer, Matt Hole, underscores the commitment to retaining the hallmark driving pleasure found in combust engine models while transitioning to EVs. XP-1 stands as a testament to Morgan’s legacy, ensuring the DNA of fun, lightweight, and handcrafted driving joy is preserved for the electric era.
The tech stack underpinning XP-1 is significant as it represents Morgan’s first-ever in-house developed powertrain, engineered specifically for this prototype. The combination of battery, motor, and inverter is completely under Morgan's control, allowing for fine-tuning of driving modes to create a distinct electric Morgan driving experience. Alongside the development of the prototype, Morgan has also crafted a full vehicle simulation toolchain. This suite of tools helps in selecting compatible powertrain components, testing different scenarios, and aids in predicting range and efficiency. This endeavor has already led to substantial enhancements, such as a 33% reduction in the XP-1’s drag coefficient over the Super 3, underscoring Morgan's commitment to combine their storied craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
Finally, the XP-1 is as much a strategic tool for innovation as it is a prototype. Its influence extends beyond the garage and test track to Morgan's workforce and infrastructure, where extensive training and adaptation are underway to pivot the historic company to EV production. A unique feature is the bespoke interior UI that evolves with feedback, helping to define how to best communicate vehicle information in future electric sports cars. Moreover, the presentable nature of XP-1 allows Morgan to take its community along for the ride into electrification, with promises of updates and event appearances. As this story unfolds, car enthusiasts and the broader public alike can anticipate not only the evolution of XP-1 but also the transformation of Morgan Motor Company as it accelerates toward a greener, electrically powered horizon.
📷: MORGAN MOTOR
