As electric-powered cars are becoming popular at this age, Aston Martin makes its efforts in entering the industry debuting its own electric car version, the RapidE. The new model is set to go for public consumption in early 2018.
Aston Martin, the carmaker for James Bond movies unveils its own version of an all-electric automobile, which insiders implied to be at its most extreme form of the Rapide saloon version that drives up and about 1000bhp. Known as the Aston Martin RapidE, the electric car model is good to launch in around two years' time.
The RapidE is designed and developed by Williams Advanced Engineering with the aid of ChinaEquity, the carmaker's Shanghai-based partner in its investments. China as its first target, is the carmaker's way of meeting CO2 regulations for pressing fleet average emissions. If all goes well, the carmaker intends to make it available for sale all over the world.
Chief Executive Officer Andy Palmer of Aston Martin unveiled that the car would be available in rear-wheel drive, similar to the existing Rapide that powers up to 550bhp. He also deep-rooted that the car ranges about 200 miles on a single charge.
Although, the unveiled electric car would have a short range in comparison to its predecessor as the RapidE has separate motors what powers up its four wheels. Stepping aside, the car could reach up to 1000bhp on a single tap as it was noted to be superior in performance, unlike the first non-electric version.
The electric car comprises of a four-motor wheel setup which allows it to have a traction-torque smooth performance when driving, also a brake system which they tagged as "regenerative" that helps in the car's performance as well. Under its hood, battery packs designed by Williams would replace the V12 engine Aston enthusiasts are familiar with.
The carmaker plans to build 400 RapidEs a year if all goes well and is expected to cost around £150,000 for standards up to £200,000 for top-spec variants. Aston will be using its facilities in Gaydon, Warwick for mass production.
