British luxury automaker Aston Martin has revealed all the details about its latest model, which also happens to be their first-ever all-electric vehicle, the Rapid E. Baroque Ground has all the details
The brand new Aston Martin Rapid E was developed by Aston Martin in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, known for designing and manufacturing batteries for Formula E vehicles. It will be produced at Aston Martin’s St Athan production facility in the South of Wales in the UK.
This exclusive battery-electric vehicle is being produced in a strictly limited edition of just 155. It will apparently be powered by an 800-volt battery system that has a capacity of 65kWh. The battery pack will be located where the original V12 motor is located along with the space for gearbox and fuel tank. These will power two rear-mounted motors and produce a combined output of approximately 610PS and 950Nm of torque.
The vehicle underwent a thorough development process during which weight targets were stringently observed using lightweight alloys and carbon composite materials. Of course, all Aston Martin vehicles are high performance vehicles, and this one will be no different. The vehicle’s top speed will be in the region of 155 miles per hour. The new Rapid E will have a range of 200 miles and a charging rate of 195 miles per hour when a 400V 50kW charger is used. A faster/higher charger will improve the charging rate to 310 miles per hour.
The exterior of the Rapid E and its under body have both been aerodynamically optimized and feature newly designed aerodynamic wheels. The Aston Martin Rapid E’s bespoke tyres are expected to deliver superior dynamic capability.
So why an all-electric vehicle? According to CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all. As a career automotive engineer, I’m proud that the car industry is leading the way in finding long-term solutions and reducing harmful emissions.
“As our first all-electric production model, Rapide E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today. Rapide E will also serve as a critical step on our path to re-launching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque”.