Do Jalops dream of electric Morgans?

"tapzz" (tapzz) 06/21/2015 at 08:48 • Filed to: morgan

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Morgan is going to show a prototype EV three wheeler at Goodwood, with a view to releasing a production version in 2016.

The concept is simple: take the universally beloved Morgan three wheeler, remove the rumbling S&S V twin, and stick in a single 75 KW electric motor at the rear.

No word on what batteries go where, but they promise a weight less than the 450kg of the petrol version, but a range of more than 200 kms. Those stats would be utterly compelling if true, but it’s hard to see how that could be done.

Given how much torque will be channeled through one rear wheel in such a lightweight, you also have to wonder how the little cart is not going to wag like a hyperenthusiastic labrador puppy.

Still, even if you might be doing some involuntary product development, you wouldn’t say ‘no’, would you?

I’ll have the bonneville speed edition, thankyouverymuch.

(Photo credits: Morgan)

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LongbowMkII > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 08:54

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want

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 08:54

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Seems as if Bristol has a similar idea, except they’re doing range extended vehicles rather than all electric.

http://bristolcars.co.uk/Vision/

pip bip - choose Corrour > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 09:09

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it’ll weigh more than 450kg i reckon.

tapzz > pip bip - choose Corrour 06/21/2015 at 09:25

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I think you’re right.

The trick with EVs seems to be to keep the weight of the rest of the vehicle down so that you don’t get in a spiral of ever more batteries causing ever more weight, requiring yet more batteries etc. Because a Morgan three wheeler is so light to begin with, it’s a good candidate for electrification. But I still can’t see how they’ll manage to keep it under 450 kg.

ICantStandNewJalopnik > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:29

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Would this mean I’d wake up having a Morgasm?

JuniorSamplesJr. > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:31

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I hope this happens (unlike LIFEcar .)

Vin > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:49

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Give it a fourth wheel and I’d be interested. Like having a powered soapbox racer.

Galant Enthusiast > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:49

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Electric toys make sense even if they’re not really something I would want. The charge time and range limitations are fine if its something you’re only going to use occasionally and its not going to mind sitting. I do think it loses some of its character.

Sir FR-S (Formally CR-Z) > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:49

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THOSE WHEELS !

Sir HoonsAlot > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:51

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No thank you

Jon > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 10:59

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Battery energy density has been improving at ~5% a year. Just look at the volt gen 1 had 35mile range and gen 2 has 50 mile range and a smaller lighter battery.

the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 11:05

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Despite my love for my dinosaur car, I really had my hopes that Aptera would be a viable EV:

The Morgan won’t look as Star Trek-y (the Aptera is in the background of a few shots of the first modern Trek flick), but I’m looking forward to the real deal performance of the Morgan. More power to them for giving it a shot.

Kiltedpadre > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 11:06

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I think this is one case where the potential range issues of an electric car might not be an outright no when I’m looking at cars. Given that I can’t imagine the Morgan being a car I would even consider taking on a long highway trip it would work well.

One major concern for me though would be the lack of the benefit of the old motorcyclist claim “loud pipes save lives.” Given how utterly tiny a Morgan is in the sea of giant SUVs and lifted trucks in my area; I don’t know how safe glidly silently would be.

tapzz > Kiltedpadre 06/21/2015 at 11:13

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On the other hand, it’s the perfect excuse for mounting one of these:

2cvhoonage > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 11:14

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This one? Yes

(lifecar concept, hydrogen powered, awesome interior! case you didn’t know)

The 3 wheeler? Not so much. What are you going to have hanging off the front? Batteries?

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 11:17

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Yes please.

VirgilMungo > LongbowMkII 06/21/2015 at 11:33

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Do you saddle it like a horse?

SaveTheClassics > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 11:39

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Maybe I’m not a “real Jalop” or maybe I’m just one of a small group of people that can appreciate everything from old V12’s mated to manual gearboxes across the spectrum all the way to electric vehicles, but I’d like to say I’m all for an electric sports car, especially something minimalist as a Morgan (not this 3-wheel garbage, just a proper 4-wheel Morgan).

After driving my (leased) BMW i3 (non-REX) for a few months now, I’m all for an electric sports car. I was hesitant at first, but the power delivery and regen braking makes it a very interesting experience. No doubt it would take some time to get used to at the track, but the way the i3 is now it reduces power after less than a lap from what I’ve read, so I won’t bother trying. From a rolling start up to about 50-55mph it would take a proper high power sports car (or something like a Tesla) to outrun the i3. The 0-60 of 6.5 is unimpressive for the most part, but the 0-40 time sticks it right alongside a new M3 for a while, not bad for “the most efficient vehicle sold in the US.”

With that said, I’d like to see the same philosophy BMW has used with the i3, but put into something like a Lotus Elise or Miata or something. The entire chassis is CFRP, the roof is carbon fiber, and they have done just about everything they can do to keep the weight down. Give me a 2300-2500lb electric Miata with 200hp and a 150 mile range and I’ll be happy. I don’t think that weight goal is completely unrealistic since the i3 weighs 28xxlbs. A Morgan could probably be even lighter, as long as they use aluminum or cfrp for the majority of the body and chassis.

Think! aka anotherburner111122223333 > LongbowMkII 06/21/2015 at 11:52

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Where does one put their (temporary) life form?

LongbowMkII > VirgilMungo 06/21/2015 at 11:58

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The other side is open.

webmonkees > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 12:10

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Woud have preferred the Morgan.. here’s one from the id: a RHD Lincoln. Control issues?

Max Torque > the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy 06/21/2015 at 12:11

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I still want an Aptera. I would but one today if any existed.

the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy > Max Torque 06/21/2015 at 12:19

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Yes, the prototypes were crushed.

M54B30 > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 12:19

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List of electric vehicles that I, as a self-identified Jalop, dream of:

1)

2)

ccc40821 > Kiltedpadre 06/21/2015 at 12:39

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The ‘Loud Pipes Save Lives’ slogan is completely and utter bullshit, brought forth by riders who compensate for lack of common sense with decibels. A noisy vehicle will warn a pedestrian down the road not to step out in front of you, but that’s it as far as safety is concerned. If I hear one of the morons’ motorcycles with illegal pipes, it’ll be the very moment I’m being passed, as most of the sound (logically) is directed backwards.

I ride old motorcycles myself, which of course aren’t quiet the way newer ones are, but make a point of not revving the crap out of them while in town or where it will otherwise annoy people. And even if I’m a big fan of customized vehicles like choppers and cafe racers, the way some of their owners ride - as if to deliberately piss off as many people as possible - is an embarrassment for anyone sympathetic to our hobby.

ccc40821 > ccc40821 06/21/2015 at 12:40

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PS Nice headline, Philip K. Dick is smiling somewhere.

soundman98 > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 12:47

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it’s interesting, i’ll give them that. though for me, part of the charm of the morgan 3-wheeler is the motor hanging off the front and the rumble of said motor. that’s not to say that all the charm is lost without the motor in the front, i think the overall shape makes up the charm that is the 3-wheeler, and most will appreciate the electric one just as much as the gas-powered one. i’d just prefer the rumble of the gas one, because i’m a guy that likes things that make noise...

i’m not a major fan of electric motorcycles either— imo, bikes should at least make some noise so cars around them at least have a chance to realize there’s a bike in their blind spot. it’s terrifying enough when a prius sneaks up behind me in a parking lot and then lays on the horn because i didn’t see or hear it....

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy 06/21/2015 at 12:50

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I was so disappointed when they went under. And mad at the assembly workers for smashing all the prototypes.

That design really had promise.

tapzz > SaveTheClassics 06/21/2015 at 12:52

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Well, you’re not alone- my interests are just as broad.

You’ve probably already seen this, but just in case: Auto Express did a very instructive track battle of the i3 against Suzuki’s well regarded ‘warm’ hatch- the Swift Sport .

I guess the real question for any EV is the constantly changing weight - range ratio. Given what the i3 can do, maybe a new generation of batteries with the ultra low weight that the Morgan three wheeler has by virtue of its radical simplicity and materials could be interesting. A BMW roadster on the i3’s chassis would also be rather interesting and more practical, if not quite as light.

tapzz > soundman98 06/21/2015 at 12:58

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It’s going to be whole different experience, that’s for sure.

In favour of the EV3 would be ‘insane mode’, but with a fraction of the weight of a Model S, and no weather protection... Assuming Morgan can hit their weight target, and somehow keep that single driven rear wheel under control.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > the 1969 Dodge Charger Guy 06/21/2015 at 12:58

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It was viable, it was totally taken out of the game. Its the only hybrid I was ever interested in because I could pretend I was in Star Trek. The Leno test drive was fun to watch.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 12:59

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Oh and it will be so affordable like the petrol version!

tapzz > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 06/21/2015 at 13:07

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Yeah, I’d rather not think of the price tag it’ll have...

me > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 13:15

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I’d be interested to see how they’ve handled the front end on this; One of the clear features of the morgan three-wheeler is the front-mounted V-twin, so are they just going to put a normal grille instead?

tapzz > me 06/21/2015 at 13:24

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Probably for good reasons, it’s a bit unclear in the pictures. The Bonneville side view suggests that it will indeed just have an empty grille...

chaos-cascade > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 13:37

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That would be an awesome commuter in so many towns. Especially California beach towns. Here is Sacramento I think it would kinda suck. Hot as hell in the summer and I can’t remember the last time I didn’t see an accident on a work day. It’s odd, but a motorcycle seems so much safer to me.

zephyr0 > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 14:01

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I get the Electric 3 wheeler, Its Retro futurism to the max and looks awesome. The other electric car I want is an Electric DS

Krazeecain > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 14:33

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That thumping v-twin is what MAKES the Morgan three-wheeler! This is the last vehicle on earth that should be an ev.

(selling both is fine though I guess, the idea of an electric 3 Wheeler on its own isn’t bad)

Lorem Ipsum > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 14:48

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this will sell like hotcakes for a very particular niche of wealthy californians

Dugg-117 > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 14:56

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If it was between this Morgan and the gas one? I’d have the loud one. But between you and me the want strong with this one.

MarkD > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 15:24

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There is a lot of weight savings from removing the transmission and the full gas tank. It needs less batteries than say a tesla because it’s so light. This will need batteries similar to an electric motorcycle.

tapzz > MarkD 06/21/2015 at 16:10

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Very true- and that is what makes the idea interesting. Still, at 450kg it weighs considerably more than a bike, so it’ll be interesting to see how the range/weight pans out in the end...

tapzz > chaos-cascade 06/21/2015 at 16:15

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Given the spread out contact patches and roll over hoops, that’s probably not true, but it does indeed take a bit of gumption to sit so low in traffic.

tapzz > zephyr0 06/21/2015 at 16:17

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Word!

tapzz > Krazeecain 06/21/2015 at 16:19

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That’s the thing: because the vehicle itself is so minimal, it becomes all about the engine: be it thumping old skool v twin, or hummin‘ wall ‘o torque

Nick > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 16:23

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I’m really curious to see what this looks like from the front.

tapzz > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 16:26

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Ye Olde Worlde aluminium charging point cap?

Goggles Pizzano > 2cvhoonage 06/21/2015 at 16:28

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Ultra Capacitors...

juan-wheel-drive > VirgilMungo 06/21/2015 at 16:33

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It’s a rigid tonneau cover over just the passenger side, for speed record aero.

DrScientist > SaveTheClassics 06/21/2015 at 16:33

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an electric lotus elise you say? you have seen this, right?

PardonMyFlemish16 > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 17:13

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No I dream of 4 wheel Morgans and US kit car laws that arent totally retarded

SaveTheClassics > DrScientist 06/21/2015 at 17:51

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yup, seen it, and actually drove one a couple of years ago. It’s great, but needs an update using the latest tech. At almost 2800lbs, it was just too heavy IMO. Get it down another 300lbs or so, reduce the power a little and it would be dream electric sports car.

TavshedFjols > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 18:27

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aluminiume*

Thedude > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 18:33

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As I’ve said numerous times on here, I’m resto-modding a ‘66 +4, and while it’s currently getting an ICE setup, I want to convert it to electric power when it’s feasible to do so (financially and travel-wise).

Thedude > PardonMyFlemish16 06/21/2015 at 18:34

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Where can’t you get a Morgan in the US?

PardonMyFlemish16 > Thedude 06/21/2015 at 19:57

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You can, because since it has 3 wheels it’s considered a motorcycle. But if it has 4 wheels, it’s either an off road vehicle (no highways) or it’s a car which has to fit all the regs

Its retarded because my motorcycle is way more dangerous than something like a Morgan or Ariel Atom and with its uncatted exhaust (which passes inspection) it’s dirty AF too. A cheap little kit car with a catalytic converter should make everyone happy.... if I want to risk my safety for driving why cant I? I already ride a motorcycle and I would trade it in for something like an FF818 in a heartbeat.

General Purpose > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 20:29

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I guess if people want it, they will buy it.

As a pure hypothetical, I wouldn’t opt for a Morgan three-wheeler without that noisy, burbling V-twin. I do love the look of it, but I want a car that vibrates and has next to no suspension if I’m buying a Morgan. I enjoy being audibly reminded of of the power of engines, be they steam or internal combustion.

Electric cars currently are ultra-smooth and quiet. It’s good, but an entirely different experience. Perfect for luxurious cars, perfect for boring commuters, not perfect for fun, visceral, throwback sports cars. And I don’t see why it’s limited to that. You should be able to make an electric car that preserves most of its efficiency advantages, but uses software and inexpensive hardware to produce satisfying noises and reassuring vibration and harshness.

12AX7 > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 20:39

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Beautiful machine but soulless without the sound of a combustion engine

tapzz > General Purpose 06/21/2015 at 20:42

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Heh. If anyone can make a noisy, bumpy, harsh and vibrating EV, surely Morgan would be it 

But you are quite right about the EV3 being a different animal from the existing three wheeler. In terms of noise, some EVs make entirely natural, slightly sic-fi buzzes and whines- maybe we can learn to appreciate those as well. More than that, though: imagine a Tesla style ‘insane mode’ in a 450kg cart with no windscreen and a squirming rear end.

Visceral fun for sure, but different from the bellowing beasty we already have.

tapzz > 12AX7 06/21/2015 at 20:45

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We’ll have to wait and see; I think Tesla and the Renault Twizzy are showing us that EVs can have souls, even if they sound and feel different from ICE cars.

Thedude > PardonMyFlemish16 06/21/2015 at 21:35

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Huh, I was under the impression the new ones met all the regs.

AbeVigodasSon > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 23:16

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All I really want is an affordable Morgan 3 wheeler.

Obruni > tapzz 06/21/2015 at 23:33

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Yes times a million. Finally, a replacement for the Tesla Roadster.

Shaunock > Dugg-117 06/22/2015 at 04:17

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One of each please.

UAF roundels on the petrol one, Bonneville speed for the EV.

tapzz > AbeVigodasSon 06/22/2015 at 05:50

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Indeed- that’s why three wheelers like the original Morgans were conceived, at the end of the day...

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 08:02

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SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > PardonMyFlemish16 06/22/2015 at 08:51

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The FF818 is entirely street legal.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > AbeVigodasSon 06/22/2015 at 08:52

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Pretty sure that Polaris has you covered, bro.

UnknownPerson2 > ccc40821 06/22/2015 at 09:01

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I want to add that modern cars are so good at dampening outside noises that most Harleys sound like Vespas with my windows rolled up.

Bob Zuercher > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 09:10

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This makes a lot of sense seeing as I doubt most people really drive the 3 wheeler for more than a couple hours at a time (although I’d love to roadtrip in one). Of course, you don’t get the hot exhaust pipes and beautiful sounds that the gasser has, but man ... what a beautifully styled EV. Much want.

William Byrd > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 10:43

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Sort of. Maybe. I’m not positive. Probably.

Part of the allure of the current 3-wheeler is the crazy look/sound with that V engine sitting on the front of it. I suppose this still has quite a unique look to it, and I could commute to work and back in it a few times on a single charge. I mean, I wouldn’t. But I could!

Gonemad > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 10:48

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Change it to a mind exercise “What if we slapped Tesla powertrain in everything?”

All that weight difference can be filled with batteries. And you would be slapping 300+HP in that tiny car. 200Km doesn’t seem absurd now.

DonVanSin > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 10:59

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I prefer the fully armored version....

VirgilMungo > LongbowMkII 06/22/2015 at 11:31

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another missed opportunity and cowboy dissapointment.....

Alex Roy > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 12:43

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Not until Alex Roy weighs in.

#notallnarcissists

fourvalleys > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 12:53

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I know I’m way late and nobody will see this but... I’ve seen the electric 3-Wheeler in person! And up close (including the good bits). It’s pretty neat for sure, I just hope they figured out what they’ll do to make it look “normal.” When I saw it they just had a black box in place of the V-twin. It looked... odd.

I think I might have a couple of photos, but they asked me not to take any, so... I guess I don’t.

KazVH > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 13:25

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This. I would daily drive this.

brazilians only drive stick > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 15:12

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‘cause fuck aerodynamics

tapzz > fourvalleys 06/22/2015 at 15:59

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Dude- really!? Wow!

I guess the black box was part of the disguise rather than a permanent fixture, but I’m sure we’ll find out.

As to the photos: I’m not a lawyer or in any way affiliated with anything (including Gawker), but all I can say is that many folks have uploaded their own spy pictures. If it’s in public, it’s fair game as far as the law is concerned. OTOH, if you don’t want to make the Morgan people unhappy, then I guess the pictures don’t exist...

fourvalleys > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 18:46

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Unfortunately, it wasn't in public! They aren't that exciting though, just basically a regular 3-wheeler with a black box in the place of the V-twin. It was surprisingly long ago, actually.

IRS4 > tapzz 06/22/2015 at 22:13

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Yeth, plz!