Aston Martin Rapide E To Be Built In Wales At New ‘Center Of Electrification’

Aston Martin has confirmed that the all-electric Rapide E will be built in Wales at its new facility at St Athan that will serve as its center for electrification.

The British marque’s production facility once served as a Royal Air Force base and is now entering the final stages of being transformed into a plant that will produce many important Aston Martin models in the coming years. Alongside the Rapide E, St Athan will also serve as the home of the DBX crossover while also being responsible for production of all future Lagonda models.

“Aston Martin sees itself as a future leader in the development of zero emission technologies, and I am delighted that St Athan will be our ‘Home of Electrification’ for both the Aston Martin and Lagonda brands,” president and chief executive Andy Palmer said.

When construction at St Athan is complete, Aston Martin will build the first development prototypes for the DBX. Additionally, the facility will be home to 750 new employees.

Not all vehicles built at the facility will be featuring some form electrification, but by the mid-2020s Aston Martin does plan on offering electrified powertrains for all of its vehicles. The new facility will serve an important role in the development of these vehicles.

“I am very proud of Aston Martin’s decision to locate its new manufacturing facility in St Athan. It shows a huge vote of confidence in the Welsh Government’s can-do attitude and in the package of support that we can offer to businesses that want to work with us,” First Minister Carwyn Jones said.

“Today’s announcement that St Athan will also be the ‘Home of Electrification’ for both Aston Martin and Lagonda is another huge win for Wales. It is a genuine testament to the reputation, dedication and skills of our workforce but also an excellent and very tangible example of how Welsh Government support can act as the catalyst for further economic growth and job creation.”

The Aston Martin Rapide E will use 800-volt battery technology, like the Porsche Taycan, allowing it to be rapidly recharged. The all-electric saloon will take visual inspiration from the Rapide AMR.