A NEW high-performance electric sports car prototype is being developed by Morgan with a consortium of British techno specialists.

The Morgan +E programme will deliver two engineering concept cars early next year, both based on a development of the Aero Supersport's aluminium chassis.

But the 4.8-litre BMW V8 engine will be replaced by a new derivative of Zytek's high power-density electric powertrain driving through a conventional manual gearbox.

The project is being part-funded by a £100,000 grant from the Niche Vehicle Network, which promotes the development of new technology to take advantage of market opportunities for lower carbon vehicles. 

"This is an exciting investigation into the potential for a zero-emissions Morgan with near supercar performance," says Morgan's Operations Director, Steve Morris.

"By working closely with Zytek and Radshape, who already have considerable expertise in this field, we aim to make this a realistic concept that could lead to further developments if demand and other factors prove favourable."

Zytek's first experience with a high-performance electric sportscar was back in 1997 when it converted a Lotus Elise to electric drive.

The award-winning design led to engineering programmes with Chrysler and General Motors, closely followed by a long-term relationship with Daimler to develop and build electric powertrains for the smart fortwo electric drive.

In motorsport, Zytek was the first company to race a hybrid at Le Mans and supplied technology for the first KERS-equipped Formula 1 car to win a grand prix.

A new lost cost KERS has also been developed by Zytek and has been tested by Honda for potential use in the 2012 super GT series.