Aston Martin Reveals First Electric Car, Rapide E Price Set At $330,000
British luxury brand and James Bond favorite Aston Martin unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) at the Shanghai Motor Show.
The Aston Martin Rapide E is the four-door electric version of the gasoline-powered Rapide S. The EV was engineered to retain the driving feel of the V12-powered Rapide S, according to Aston Martin. Only 155 Rapide Es will ever be produced.
Rapide E available to order now. Pricing is only available upon ordering, said Aston Martin. The Aston Martin Rapide E is expected to cost something over $330,000 (£250,000). Prices for the gasoline-powered Rapide S start at over $200,000.
The Rapide E's grill was changed to allow less air to flow in because EVs don’t need air to cool extremely hot gasoline engines (of which they have none). The area under the body was also designed to allow air to flow underneath the car more efficiently. Aston claims extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin reduces weight.
Rapide E can drive more than 200 miles on a single charge, claims Aston Martin. It can acclerate from 0 to 60 miles an hour in under four seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h (155 miles an hour).
The Rapide E’s electric propulsion system is powered by an 800V battery pack encased in carbon fiber and Kevlar. The system drives two rear-mounted electric motors, and delivers a combined target output of just over 602bhp and 701 lb ft of torque.
The interior has been overhauled and is definitely more appealing than that of the Rapide S, which made its debut back in 2010. The most significant upgrade is the 10 inch digital instrument display showing key information such as battery charge level, motor power levels, energy usage and regenerative braking.
The Rapide S, the gasoline version of the Rapide E, is a 4-door, 4-seater, high-performance sports saloon that’s been in production since 2010.
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