Aston Martin revealed more details about the
production version of the Rapid E, the upcoming battery-electric derivative of
the firm’s four-door model. The all-electric Aston Martin Rapide E will enter a strictly limited
production run of just 155 examples, featuring an advanced 800V electrical
architecture and a 65kWh battery pack. The latter is mounted on the same place
where the 6.0-liter V12 engine, its gearbox and fuel tank were located in the
petrol-powered Rapide.
A pair of electric motors are mounted on the rear,
producing just over 610 PS and 950 Nm of torque. Aston Martin
expects the Rapide E to be capable of delivering a sub-4sec 0-60 mph time and a
50-70 mph time of just 1.5 seconds. As for the driving range, the company claims
over 200 miles under the new WLTP test cycle.
The electric Aston Martin will be compatible not
only with the typical 50kW quick charger (where it will charge at a rate of 185
miles of range per hour) but also with 800V outlets that deliver 100kW or
higher. With the latter, the charging rate rises to 310 miles of range per
hour.
Aston Martin has collaborated with Williams Advanced
Engineering for the development of the Rapide E. One of the project’s goals was
to achieve effective cooling of the batteries and motors in order to ensure
consistent performance while weight is apparently kept in check through the use
of lightweight materials, including special alloys and carbon composites.
The company says that the Rapide E will be able to
deliver its headline performance figures consistently and not just when the
batteries are fully charged. This includes the ability to drive a full lap of
the Nurburgring with no performance drop from its electric powertrain.
The exterior design of the Rapide, as well as its
underbody, has been aerodynamically optimized. A new set of wheels, which also
help this cause, is shod with bespoke Pirelli P Zero tires that deliver a lower
rolling resistance and reduced cavity noise.
The Aston Martin Rapide E will be produced at the
company’s new St. Athan factory, with the company now accepting expressions of
interest. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of
2019.
