Many manufacturers have jumped on the electric vehicle bandwagon, now it’s the turn of British luxury brand Aston Martin. Today the brand has announced it will produce its first ever all-electric model, which is to be produced in a limited run of 155 models in 2019.
The RapidE
As the name suggests, it’s based on the Rapide, but because this is an eco model, it receives a capital E at the end of its name – it’s all about image right? Actually, that last statement isn’t entirely true. Yes, the RapidE is indeed based on the Rapide, but not just any Rapide, it’s based the spicier Rapide AMR. It will be built with the help of Williams Advanced Engineering, the company that’s helped to design the Vanda Dendrobium. It is also the company that helped Aston Martin to produce the concept model of the RapidE, so it makes sense to remain that continuity for the production model.
At this moment in time, full details about the electric powertrain and the power it can offer are yet to be revealed, but the brand does promise to reveal that in due course. Aston Martin has promised that the RapidE will deliver the dynamic drive of the Rapide S, but of course it will have electric motors replacing the thunderous V12 engine. Thanks to the instant power of an electric motor, the British brand has the RapidE “will offer a unique driving experience of a kind not experienced before in an Aston Martin”.
Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of the RapidE: “Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production. RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it.
“The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers.”
