Aston Martin’s first all-electric vehicle will be called the Rapide E, and will be limited to 155 units.
The OEM has worked with Williams Advanced Engineering on development of the vehicle, which will be powered by an 800V battery electric architecture with 65kWh of capacity. The battery pack will use more than 5,600 lithium-ion 18650 cylindrical cells, mounted in a bespoke pack which will be located where the traditional ICE engine, gearbox and fuel tank would be situated. This battery system will provide power to two rear-mounted electric motors, producing a combined system output in excess of 610ps and 950Nm of torque.
Aston Martin is targeting a range of more than 200 miles on WLTP, and the car maker aims to include 400V, 50kW charging technology, capable of providing 185 miles of range per hour. The Rapide E will also be capable of faster charging using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher, which can provide 310 miles of range per hour.
Projected top speed for the Rapide E will be 155mph (249km/h), with a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of less than 4 seconds and 50-70mph (80-113km/h) in just 1.5 seconds. Focus was also given to ensuring that the vehicle’s performance is not limited to full battery charge conditions.
The development and tuning of the electric powertrain and chassis will aim to retain the feel and character of the V12 Rapide S, with particular focus given to software integration. The rear-wheel drive twin motors will drive through a limited-slip differential.
The Rapide E development program also includes Hyperbat (a new joint venture between Williams Advanced Engineering and Unipart manufacturing Group) as the battery developer, Integral Powertrain for the e-motors, Xtrac for the transmission and the H1perbat project consortium.
“Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all,” said Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. “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 Aston Martin’s CEO, I take particular satisfaction working with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other associated technology partners to bring Rapide E to reality.
“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.”
Rapide E will be built at Aston Martin’s planned St Athan production facility, which has recently been announced as Aston Martin and Lagonda’s ‘home of electrification.’ First customer deliveries are set for Q4, 2019.
