After being unveiled as a concept, the all-electric Aston Martin RapidE will enter production in 2019, says the luxury sports car manufacturer.
The all-electric RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model and the sports car has been set for a limited production run of 155 units. It is also indicative of the development of the brand’s low- and zero-emission vehicle strategy laid out by Aston Martin’s President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, in the company’s Second Century Plan.
Aston Martin have collaborated with Williams Advanced Engineering – who also worked on the original RapidE Concept – to make this happen. Williams Advanced Engineering – based out of The Grove, Oxfordshire – will assist Aston Martin with the complex task of engineering integration.
Based upon the forthcoming Rapide AMR concept, RapidE will deliver four-door sports car looks and dynamics of the Rapide S powered by an all-electric powertrain replacing the 6-litre V12 engine. The instantaneous delivery thanks to readily available torque, characteristic of electric motors, means the RapidE is certain to be quick in a straight line.
Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the RapidE: “Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production. RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it. The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers.”
Paul McNamara, Technical Director at Williams Advanced Engineering said: “Williams Advanced Engineering has always endeavoured to work collaboratively with its customers to meet their sustainability challenges and find energy efficient solutions. For today’s car manufacturers, this is particularly important as legislation demands more energy efficient vehicles. This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and EV experience we have accumulated and we are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy.”
The Aston Martin RapidE will go up against the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid and the Tesla Model S P90 D and P100 D.
