Equipped with ground-breaking technology, a first validation prototype of the Aston Martin Rapide E has moved under its own power for the first time a few days ago.
The moment was captured -in a short video, which was posted on social media by Aston CEO Andy Palmer, and shows the electric vehicle driving away almost in complete silence.
The Rapide E will be the company’s first zero-emission car. Unlike rivals from Porsche and Tesla, which developed the Taycan and Model S using specific platforms, the British electric luxury saloon is based on the gasoline-powered Rapide.
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The Rapide E uses a 65 kWh battery that provides power for the two rear-mounted electric motors and, according to Aston Martin, offers a driving range of more than 200 miles (322 km) in the WLTP test cycle.
Charging time is reasonably fast, especially with the 800V compatibility, which allows the battery to be filled at a rate of 310 miles (499 km) of range per hour. Using the usual 50 kW quick charger sees that time drop to 185 miles (298 km).
The Rapide E’s dual electric motors are said to deliver over 602 hp (610 PS / 449 kW) and 700 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque. This translates into a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of less than 4 seconds, comfortably outsprinting the V12-powered Rapide S that needs 4.4 seconds.
Mind you, unlike its rivals, the Rapide E will be produced in a very limited run of just 155 units which will be built at Aston’s new St Athan factory in Wales.
The battery-electric Rapide will be unveiled later this year, and customer deliveries will commence towards the end of 2019.
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
— Andy Palmer (@AndyatAston) January 21, 2019