Electric Aston Martin Rapide E To Offer ‘Over 610PS’ And A 155mph Top Speed

Aston Martin revealed more details about the production version of the Rapid E, the upcoming battery-electric derivative of the firm’s four-door model.

The all-electric Aston Martin Rapide E will enter a strictly limited production run of just 155 examples, featuring an advanced 800V electrical architecture and a 65kWh battery pack. The latter is mounted on the same place where the 6.0-liter V12 engine, its gearbox and fuel tank were located in the petrol-powered Rapide.

A pair of electric motors are mounted on the rear, producing just over 610PS (602hp) and 700lb-ft (950Nm) of torque. Aston Martin expects the Rapide E to be capable of delivering a sub-4sec 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 seconds. As for the driving range, the company claims over 200 miles under the new WLTP test cycle.

The electric Aston Martin will be compatible not only with the typical 50kW quick charger (where it will charge at a rate of 185 miles of range per hour) but also with 800V outlets that deliver 100kW or higher. With the latter, the charging rate rises to 310 miles of range per hour.

Aston Martin has collaborated with Williams Advanced Engineering for the development of the Rapide E. One of the project’s goals was to achieve effective cooling of the batteries and motors in order to ensure consistent performance while weight is apparently kept in check through the use of lightweight materials, including special alloys and carbon composites.

The company says that the Rapide E will be able to deliver its headline performance figures consistently and not just when the batteries are fully charged. This includes the ability to drive a full lap of the Nurburgring with no performance drop from its electric powertrain.

The exterior design of the Rapide, as well as its underbody, has been aerodynamically optimized. A new set of wheels, which also help this cause, is shod with bespoke Pirelli P Zero tires that deliver a lower rolling resistance and reduced cavity noise.

“As our first all-electric production model, Rapide E will fast-track our knowledge and help us ensure the character and high-performance capabilities of our future EV models and enhance the unique qualities found in all Aston Martins as we know them today,” said Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s CEO. “Rapide E will also serve as a critical step on our path to re-launching Lagonda as the world’s first zero-emission luxury marque”.

The Aston Martin Rapide E will be produced at the company’s new St. Athan factory, with the company now accepting expressions of interest. The first customer deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2019.