Rolls-Royce has confirmed it will become
an EV-only brand in the future but the company said it will launch its first
electric vehicle “when the time is right”. As it turns out, you can already buy
an electric Rolls-Royce, just not from Rolls-Royce. British electric classic
car conversion specialist Lunaz has begun production of the world’s first
electric classic Rolls-Royces: the Phantom V and the Silver Cloud.
Joining Lunaz’s existing range of Jaguar
and Bentley electrified classic cars, the Phantom and Silver Cloud EVs will be
made in a total run of 30 units. The first completed car is a 1961 Rolls-Royce
Phantom V which has undergone a ground-up restoration and the incorporation of
Lunaz’s proprietary electric powertrain and full suite of hardware and software
upgrades.
Besides the Phantom, Lunaz will also
electrify Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds in a range of body styles, including
four-door limousine, two-door coupé and drop head coupé. The company will make
its electric Rolls-Royce models available in every global market. Prices for a
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud by Lunaz start at £ 350,000 (US$ 463,000), not including
local taxes, while the electric Rolls-Royce Phantom starts at £ 500,000
(US$ 661,500).
For Silver Cloud I, II, and III models,
Lunaz mounts an 80 kWh battery that enables a driving range of more than 483 km. On the Phantom V, the company fits a 120 kWh battery pack that
ensures a similar range of over 483 km. Every car converted by
Lunaz is equipped with the capability for both home charging and rapid
charging.
Besides upgrading the powertrain, Lunaz
can also equip the classic Rolls-Royces with subtly placed modern amenities.
Those include a fully integrated infotainment system including satellite
navigation, two screens integrated behind the privacy division’s picnic tables
for rear occupants to watch films and mirror screens from mobile devices,
modern air conditioning with different air settings for each occupant, split
audio systems (front/rear) and more.
On the first completed Phantom V, there’s
also a bar service on the center of the privacy division custom built to fit
the owner’s favorite brand of tequila, as well as a modern cellular phone
encrypted for privacy. Needless to say, every car is tailor made for each
customer. For example, the 1961 Phantom features an eight-seat configuration
with a front bench for three occupants, rear bench for a further three and two
occasional seats.
