Morgan Has Electric Plus 8 with Five-Speed Gearbox

Morgan is embracing British engineering now, as it always has. The long-lived, British sports car maker is teaming with Brtiish companies Zytek and Radshape to develop an electric version of the Plus 8 that uses a five-speed manual transmission. The car's development was funded by a £100,000 grant from the UK government. 

The concept called the Morgan Plus E uses a 70kW (94hp) and 300Nm electric motor built by Zytek. Radshape worked on the car's aluminum chassis. Being so small, though, the engine is mounted in the transmission tunnel and linked to a five-speed manual transmission. Usually, you would not see a manual in an electric car, and its presence leads to some odd driving behavior. For instance, because electric motors produce torque immediately, drivers do not have to push the clutch in when the car comes to a complete stop. 

"The Plus E combines Morgan‟s traditional look with high-technology construction and a powertrain that delivers substantial torque instantly at any speed. With the manual gearbox to increase both touring range and driver involvement, it will be a fantastic car to drive," said Morgan Operations Director Steve Morris. 

This is just the first concept for the Plus E. Morgan is already planning another Plus E concept that will be closer to production specification with more batteries and possibly a sequential transmission.