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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    “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.

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    “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.

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    “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.”

    Related: Scots Aston Martin dealer is World No1

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    Jim McGill

     

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