A prototype of Aston Martin Electric Rapide E went on its first drive recently and boy we cannot believe it moving so silently because most of the cars from British automaker pack a loud V12 unit. The moment was captured in a video, which was shared by Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer on Twitter.
A moment of @astonmartin history. First Validation Prototype Aston Martin RapideE moves under its own power for the very first time with its breakthrough 800v battery. Great work from the development team which includes Williams Engineering. pic.twitter.com/b2mRaeCsNP
— Dr. Andy Palmer (@AndyatAuto) January 21, 2019
First revealed in 2015 in concept form, the development will start soon in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering. The production model will boast a freshly created 800-volt electrical system, which will enable the battery to acquire 80-percent charge in only 15 minutes. However, this would need a proper high-speed charging station.
From what we know so far, we can tell that the Aston Martin Electric Rapide E will carry a 65-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery offering around 200 miles of range. The all-electric car will have two batteries at the rear axle generating a total out of over 600 hp and 700 pound-feet of torque. Aston Martin wants this electric car to perform similarly to gas-powered Rapide.
The automaker plans to build 155 units carrying a price tag of $250,000 each. After its launch and getting feedback from consumers, the automaker’s sub-brand Lagonda will create its own EVs.