Aston Martin is getting ready to introduce its first electric car, the Rapide E, which as its name suggests, is based on the Rapide sedan. Production of the Rapide E is scheduled to begin next year, but Aston Martin has released a few teasers and some early specs today.
The Aston Martin Rapide E will be powered by two rear mounted electric motors that generate a combined 601 horsepower and 700 lb-ft. of torque. The 65 kWh battery pack is mounted in the front where the 6.0L V12 engine sits in the gas-powered Rapide.
Aston Martin estimates that the Rapide E will have a driving range over 200 miles on the WLTP cycle and it can be quickly recharged using a 400- or 800-volt charger. Since the Rapide E is all about performance, it reaches 60 mph in under four seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. Aston Martin also points out that the Rapide E’s performance specs aren’t limited to only when the battery is fully charged, since it can reach its maximum performance even when the battery is semi depleted.
The Rapide E also can drive a full lap on the Nürburgring with absolutely no derating of the battery.
“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,” stated Andy Palmer, CEO Aston Martin. “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.”
Aston Martin only plans to build 155 Rapide E electric cars with the first deliveries scheduled for Q4 2019.
Source: Aston Martin