Aston Martin RapidE Battery Teased, Will Use 800 Volt Technology

The Aston Martin RapidE was originally slated to be launched this year, but the company’s partnership with LeEco fizzed so they eventually named Williams Advanced Engineering as the lead partner on the project.

The switch caused a bit of a delay, but it appears development is moving forward as Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has tweeted a picture of the car’s battery pack. The executive also confirmed the RapidE will use “800v battery technology” just like the Porsche Taycan. This might not sound that important, but it will enable the batteries to be rapidly recharged.

Palmer didn’t say how long the charging process will take, but the Taycan can be given an 80 percent charge in just 15 minutes. While nothing is official, we can probably expect similar charging performance from the RapidE.

The @astonmartin RapidE EV will use 800v battery technology when launched end 2019. The higher voltage facilitates fast charging times as energy E=VxIxt (V is voltage, I is Current & t is time). Faster charge time t=E/(VxI) achieved by increasing Voltage. Nerdy but bloody good! pic.twitter.com/bHQPTiwaQg

— Andy Palmer (@AndyatAston) August 21, 2018

Besides announcing some details about the battery, Palmer confirmed the model will be launched towards the end of 2019. The RapidE will become Aston Martin’s first electric vehicle and the car will be based on the Rapide AMR which was unveiled in June with an upgraded 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces up to 595 hp (440 kW / 603 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

While the RapidE will eschew the petrol engine, a majority of the other upgrades should carryover. As a result, we can expect a number of components – such as the hood, side skirts and rear diffuser – will be constructed out of lightweight carbon fiber. The car could also come equipped with a sportier suspension that features adaptive dampers and a reduced ride height.

Aston Martin hasn’t released performance specifications, but the company has previously said the car’s electric powertrain will provide instantaneous acceleration and a “unique driving experience.”

The company is obviously putting a lot of work into the RapidE, but production will be limited to 155 units.