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Model Year: 2020 Aston Martin Rapide E.
Overview: On Wednesday, Aston Martin unveiled its first-ever electric production car, the luxurious Rapide E sedan.
Key Details: A limited edition of 155 units of the Rapide E will be produced, featuring the latest advancements in Aston Martin’s electric powertrain technology. Replacing the standard 6.0-liter V12 engine is an 800-volt, 65-kilowatt-hour battery, which the company estimates can achieve a range of “over 200 miles.”
Power flows to two rear-mounted electric motors (specific details about the motor type were not disclosed), which connect to an Xtrac transmission and a limited-slip differential to distribute power solely to the rear wheels. The performance is impressive, with the Rapide E generating 602 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and reach a maximum speed of 155 mph. Highway passing is swift, with the vehicle capable of accelerating from 50 to 70 mph in just 1.5 seconds, thanks in part to technological collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, a division of the renowned Formula 1 team.
The Rapide E’s suspension has been modified to account for weight changes, employing adjusted damping and spring rates to maintain handling characteristics similar to the gasoline-powered Rapide. Deliveries of the Rapide E are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Quotes: “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge that we all face,” remarked Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin, in the company’s press release. “As a lifelong automotive engineer, I’m proud that the car industry is at the forefront of developing long-term solutions for reducing harmful emissions. As the CEO of Aston Martin, I am especially pleased to collaborate with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other technology partners to bring the Rapide E to fruition.”
“As our first all-electric production vehicle, the Rapide E will accelerate our knowledge and help ensure that our future electric models retain the performance and unique characteristics that define all Aston Martins,” he added. “The Rapide E is also an essential step towards re-establishing Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury brand.”
An Aston Martin spokesperson informed The Drive that “by the mid-2020s, all Aston Martins will incorporate some form of electrification.” Regarding the upcoming Lagonda EV, the spokesperson noted that “the company plans to relaunch its Lagonda brand in 2021 as the first all-electric luxury manufacturer. We will maintain a feedback program with Rapide E customers to broaden our understanding beyond EV development to include everyday usability and lifestyle factors. Consequently, Aston Martin’s internal electrification capabilities will expand to meet business demands.”
Important Considerations: Aston Martin’s claim of a range exceeding “200 miles” alongside the Rapide E’s relatively modest battery size compared to some rivals might suggest a cautious approach to their range estimates. Automakers often present conservative figures, allowing room for actual tests to surpass initial projections. With an efficiency rating of 3.08 miles per kWh, the Rapide E’s performance is average for premium electric vehicles. In contrast, manufacturers whose electric motors lack efficiency (such as Audi and Jaguar) typically rely on larger battery sizes or robust charging networks.
Companies that possess confidence in their electric motors, like Tesla, Hyundai, and General Motors, often use smaller batteries to save weight and costs. Given that the Rapide E utilizes a 65-kWh battery, Aston Martin may quietly trust that testing will validate the effectiveness of their electric powertrain technology against competitors. Alternatively, the choice of a smaller battery could stem from limitations in the Rapide platform regarding space for batteries, as models designed specifically for electric power generally accommodate batteries more efficiently than those adapted from internal combustion engines.
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