All-electric 602bhp Aston Martin Rapide E 16 | 04 | 2019
ASTON MARTIN HAS unveiled its first-ever all-electric car, the Rapide E. Shown for the first time at the Shanghai Motor Show, the newcomer is a reworked version of the firm’s existing petrol-powered saloon, but fitted with a new battery-electric powertrain. Restricted to just 155 units, the car is officially on-sale now. (Related: Aston Martin SUV starts testing)
Aston Martin has yet to confirm prices — instead stating “prices available on application” — but it’s likely to be close o £250,000. First delivers are scheduled for the autumn. (Related: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera)
The first car to be built at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art St Athan production facility – the brand’s Home of Electrification — the Rapide E replaces the conventionally-powered Rapide’s 6.0-litre V12 with a 65kWh battery pack. This feeds power to two rear-mounted electric motors developing 602bhp and 950Nm of torque, and capable of powering the car to 62mph from standstill in under four-seconds. It’ll also accelerate from 50-70mph in 1.5secs and carry on to a top speed of 155mph.
Aston Martin says it is targeting a range of 200 miles — on the tougher WLTP testing regime — for the Rapide E on a full charge. Its 800V architecture allows its 65kWh battery to be recharged at a rate of 310 miles per hour on an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher. A more conventional 400V 50kW charger will add around 185 miles per hour connected.
There are subtle styling tweaks to the Rapide E, all aimed at minimising drag and increasing range. Aston designers have given the all-electric model a reworked front splitter, new undertray and updated rear diffuser. But the most noticeable changes are a new honeycomb grille and a set of aerodynamically efficient alloys. According to Aston, the changes deliver an 8% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency over the petrol-powered Rapide.
Inside the cabin, there’s a new 10-inch digital gauge cluster in place of the V12’s analogue dials. In addition to showing the battery’s state of charge, it also displays real-time energy consumption and regenerative performance.
“Unveiling the Rapide E will be a huge moment for Aston Martin,” Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda, said. “As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step. One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future.
“As a car company we cannot afford to passively allow that future to come to us; we have to actively chase it. Only by doing this can we learn and prepare, but also preserve those things we love as drivers and car enthusiasts.
“That’s why it was so important to me that in embracing EV technology we should not let go of those unique qualities that define an Aston Martin. I believe Rapide E embodies that desire and paves the way for a hugely exciting future.”
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Jim McGill