Aston Martin Teases the Rapide E, the Brand’s First-Ever EV

Last year, Aston Martin announced plans to build its first-ever battery electric vehicle, the Rapide E. The special edition all-electric sedan was said to be limited to 155 units and would be produced with the assistance of Williams Advanced Engineering, an EV technology company. Today, Aston Martin revealed the production specs.

The Rapide E’s 65 kW-hr battery pack consists of 5,600 lithium ion cylindrical cells mounted where the V-12 engine, transmission, and fuel tank are located on regular Rapide. Two rear-mounted electric motors maintain the sedan’s rear-drive layout and are targeted to produce a potent 601 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque.

Aston says it targeted a range of 200 miles (using the overly optimistic WLTP model), but the 800-volt battery system means the Rapide E will recharge extremely quickly. On a 100-kW charger, it should gain range at a rate of more than 300 miles per hour.

With a claimed top speed of 155 mph and a sub-4.0-second 0-60 mph time, the EV should maintain the Rapide’s high-performance credentials. And while some EVs can only deliver maximum power with a fully-charged battery, Aston says the Rapide E was developed to deliver the above performance throughout the majority of the battery’s state of charge (similar to a traditional internal combustion engine). Additionally, the electric Rapide will reportedly be able to lap of the Nürburgring while delivering full power to the electric motors the entire time.

Aston Martin also tweaked the Rapide’s exterior and underbody for improved aerodynamics, aerodynamically optimized wheels, and added Pirelli P-Zero low rolling-resistance tires with noise-canceling foam. Supposedly, it will still retain the feel and handling dynamics of the V-12 powered Rapide with unique powertrain and chassis tuning, a limited-slip differential, and revised spring and damper rates.

The Saint Athan production facility (still under construction) will build the Rapide E and is considered the future “Home of Electrification” for both Aston Martin and Lagonda brands. Expect customer deliveries to start in the last quarter of 2019.

Source: Aston Martin

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