Aston Martin reveals additional Rapide E details
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 13th Sep 2018
ASTON Martin has announced that its all-electric Rapide E will pump out about 450kW and complete the zero to 100km/h sprint in roughly four seconds when it is launched globally towards the end of 2019.
The Rapide E – Aston Martin’s first all-electric vehicle – will be homologated for Australia and will also arrive in the fourth quarter of 2019, but with just 155 units being produced globally, numbers will be scarce.
Pricing has not been detailed, But Aston says it will be made available upon expressions of interest.
For reference, the V12-powered Rapide S retails for $382,110 plus on-road costs, while the Rapide E will likely fetch a higher pricetag.
Aston Martin has revealed that the Rapide E will sport a 65kWh battery with 800V electrical architecture, which can output “just over 610PS (448kW)” and 950Nm of torque driven through two electric motors mounted on the rear axle.
It is targeting a driving range of more than 320km under WLTP testing and can recharge at a rate of 300km per hour via a 400V 50kW charger, up to 500km per hour using an 800V outlet capable of delivering 100kW or higher.
Completing the zero to 60mph (96.5km/h) sprint can be completed in less than four seconds, while acceleration from 80km/h to 112km/h is done in just 1.5s. Top speed is pegged at 250km/h.
The battery pack will be mounted in place of the petrol version’s 6.0-litre aspirated V12 engine, which at 411kW is slightly down on power compared to the Rapide E, but is well down on torque at 630Nm.
Aston says that its peak power figures will not just be achieved when the batteries are fully charged, but instead maximum performance will be available through the majority of charge range.
Aston has emphasised aerodynamics, with optimised exterior and underbody and new wheels shod in bespoke Pirelli P-Zero rubber. The brand hopes the aerodynamics, frictional loss and cooling performance will be enhanced over the petrol-powered Rapide S.
Working alongside Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), Aston is also aiming to retain the driving character and dynamics of the Rapide S, with revised spring and damper rates and a limited-slip differential mounted to the rear axle.
Throughout its testing and development phase, the car-maker has said it will use customer feedback to tweak the Rapide E and “shape and improve future Aston Martin EVs”.
Other companies will be involved in the development process, including battery manufacturer Hyperbat Limited, Integral Powertrain for the electric motors and Xtrac for the transmission.
Aston has limited production of the Rapide E to 155 units due to its deal with Chinese financier LeEco falling apart, forcing it to become an ultra-exclusive proposition.
It will be built at the upcoming St Athan production facility, which will also build cars for the all-electric Lagonda sub-brand.
Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said the Rapide E would help pave the way for future Aston Martin EV models.
“As Aston Martin’s CEO, I take particular satisfaction working with Williams Advanced Engineering and our other associated technology partners to bring Rapide E to reality,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
