In another sign of the times, Aston Martin have shown that electric vehicles can be marketed as powerful, fun and ‘sexy’ – just like their ICE (internal combustion engine) brethren.
Aston Martin did this through a demonstration run of their first all-electric production car – the Rapide E – on the Monaco street circuit as part of the Monaco Formula E ePrix weekend events.
The Rapide E is billed ‘as the most powerful Rapide model ever’, with twin rear-mounted electric motors delivering a combined output of 612PS (PS by the way is the abbreviation for metric horsepower) and 950Nm of torque.
The Rapide E is also part of the next generation of electric drive architecture, utilising an 800V electrical system that can take full advantage of the 350kW charging systems now being rolled out.
For the technically inclined – the battery is 65kWh in size, uses over 5600 lithium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells with the battery pack built into a carbon fibre and Kevlar casing lying where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank used to be located. Range is quoted as 320km (WLTP test cycle).
To quote the president and group CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, Dr Andy Palmer
“The Rapide E is a defining product in Aston Martin Lagonda’s history. We have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridisation across the Group and this product demonstrates that we have the capability to deliver an EV of exceptional performance, while still delivering the qualities demanded of not just Aston Martin customers, but the wider luxury market. As the world’s first all-electric luxury brand, Lagonda will directly benefit from the technologies and experience derived from the Rapide E programme”.
The production run of the Rapide E is strictly limited to 155 units worldwide, and pricing is only provided on application for one of the 155.
(If applying: be prepared for a very large hole to be blasted in your wallet. Mind-you, there will be significant savings on the fuel bill to offset this …. 🙂
Production will commence in Q4 2019 at Aston Martin Lagonda’s new production facility in St Athan, Wales.
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.
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