Aston Martin’s CEO Andy Palmer confirmed the development of a purely electric Rapide in an interview in London.
The British company might unveil the electric version of the Rapide towards the end of 2017 followed by the production version of the also electric DBX crossover which was previewed earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show.
Speaking to Bloomberg’s New Energy Finance Summit, Palmer said: “We’re talking about an electric Aston Martin with between 800 and 1,000 horsepower-imagine having all that torque on demand”. Aston Martin’s boss thinks that the switch over to electricity is now inevitable for the entire industry as it represents the most plausible solution to the ever-stricter emission standards and keeping at the same time their customers satisfied.
Palmer also shared that he won’t let Aston Martin follow the downsize trend as the British brand has gained its reputation partly because of their iconic V12 engines. “We’re a V-12 engine company. Project that into the future. Do I go the way of the rest of the industry and downsize the engine? Do I see Aston Martin with a three cylinder engine? God forbid. You’ve got to do something radical. Electric power gives you that power. It gives you that torque.”
That doesn’t mean that the upcoming electric Rapide will be a rival to Tesla’s Model S, as Aston Martin will remain in the exotic luxury segment, meaning their model will be priced accordingly.
The British firm’s CEO also predicted the slow death of the diesel, with hybrid-petrol engines to become widespread which will eventually lead to the all-electric cars.
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