A-to-Z Guide to Green: Ion Life
April 1, 2008
Availability: After 2010
Engine: hydrogen-powered fuel cell with four regenerative
electric motors
Power: 22 kW (30 hp)
Zero-to-60: 8
seconds
Top speed: 90
mph
Fuel economy: equivalent of 150 mpg
Pro: New-world innovations with an old-world
flavor.
Con: Morgan is still undecided about bringing this car into
production.
For a 99-year-old, the Morgan Motor Company certainly thinks young. Renowned for sweep-fendered beauties with ash-wood frames and wire-spoke wheels, the British sports car–maker now offers a glimpse into the next century with the zero-emissions, fuel-cell-powered LifeCar concept. It won’t be the first vehicle to run on electricity generated by electrochemically combining hydrogen ions and oxygen atoms, but Morgan insists the LifeCar will be the most fun.
"We wanted to design a car that could be driven hard around the countryside, but not offend the people who live there with emissions and noise pollution," says exterior designer Matthew Humphries, who also penned Morgan’s stunning Aeromax touring coupe.
Complemented by Humphries’ futuristic styling, the LifeCar is a study in advanced technology. To keep weight down, the LifeCar employs a compact fuel cell (developed by QinetiQ); small, fast-charging ultracapacitors (from Linde) in lieu of a heavy, traditional battery pack; electronic control systems and regenerative electric motors (Cranfield and Oxford universities, respectively). Body panels are hand-beaten aluminum atop a laminated ash frame, and seating for two consists of artfully curved plywood with leather padding at specific pressure points.
"Everything is hand-crafted with materials that will only get better with age," notes Humphries. The same could also be said for Morgan itself.
Morgan Motor Company, www.morgan-motor.co.uk
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