Morgan Motor Company will eventually build an electric sports car—but not any time soon, according to chief technical officer Matthew Hole. In a recent interview with TopGear, Hole reaffirmed the company’s commitment to internal combustion engines (ICE), emphasizing that electrification must meet Morgan’s strict criteria for performance and weight before it becomes a reality for the brand.
“We have an electric programme that’s running in parallel [with ICE development],” said Hole. “We see a future—post-2030—where we’ll run internal combustion engines alongside EVs.” He made it clear that ICE vehicles will remain the heart of Morgan’s identity for as long as possible. “That’s the DNA of our cars and it’s what our customers want.”
Lightweight Focus Delays EV Rollout
Morgan’s core philosophy—lightweight, hand-crafted sports cars with pure driving engagement—has made the shift to electric power a significant engineering challenge. The issue isn’t whether an electric Morgan is possible, but whether it can stay true to the brand’s heritage.
“The availability of solid-state batteries will be a key driver for us going forward,” Hole noted, highlighting current battery weight as a deal-breaker. “Once we can achieve light weight, we can get back to the core DNA of our product.”
Ongoing Talks with BMW and Other OEMs
Morgan’s long-standing powertrain partnership with BMW remains strong, and Hole acknowledged the German automaker is a likely candidate for future electric collaborations. “We’re definitely in discussions with them and it’s going positively so far,” he said. “We wouldn’t want to commit right now, but we’re talking to a couple of different OEMs. BMW is one of them.”
Currently, the BMW-sourced 3.0-litre inline-six used in the Morgan Supersport is lauded for its cleanliness and under-rated performance. Hole hinted at untapped potential: “The platform itself has got loads of potential… Eventually I’m sure there’ll be variants of it.”
V8 Ambitions Face Industry Headwinds
While a return of the V8-powered Morgan remains a fan favorite, Hole admits it’s becoming increasingly impractical. “I would love to do another V8 car, but it’s getting more and more difficult,” he said. “There are fewer and fewer V8s available and they’ve all kind of been replaced with V6s or inline-fours.”
For a boutique manufacturer like Morgan, sourcing engines with long-term viability is critical. “We can’t afford to change the powertrain every five years. We need 10–15 years of longevity.”
Despite the challenges, Hole made it clear where his heart lies. “I am a petrolhead at heart—at the back end of last year I was driving around in a V8 Morgan and I love that element—but I don’t see it.”
Heritage First, EVs Later
While the electric future is inevitable, Morgan won’t compromise its signature blend of tradition and performance. For now, its EV ambitions remain on the horizon, awaiting breakthroughs in lightweight battery technology. Until then, the growl of petrol engines will continue to echo through Morgan’s lineup—just the way its drivers like it.