Aston Martin teases their first electric car, the Rapide E
The first all-electric Aston Martin is on the way - the Rapide E. Here's all the details we have so far...
Today, I find myself reaching into my little bag of metaphors for something that combines the concept of hell and cold weather. For Aston Martin is on the brink of releasing their first ever all-electric car. I know - best send the Devil some thermal underwear!
The car in question will be the Rapide E - Aston Martin’s 4-door luxury limo. On the face of it, electric motors in a luxury saloon sound like a very good thing indeed. After all, quietness is one way in which luxury can be defined. But ever since its inception, the Rapide’s rear seats have only been adequate to chaffer VIPs from Hobbiton. For people of normal stature, every comfort Aston Martin have bequeathed the Rapide evaporates into nothingness thanks to the lack of space.
That hasn’t stopped Aston from using it to debut their skills for making electric cars. Having opened what they’re calling a “centre for electrification” in Wales - which is where the Rapide E will be built - Aston is keen to gain the faith of their clientele through these times of change.
With the aid of Williams Advanced Engineering, Aston has utilised an electric motor that puts 602bhp and 700lb-ft of torque through the rear wheels. That results in a 0-60mph time of under 4 seconds, and a limited top speed of 155mph. The big focus with any electric car however is range. With the Rapide E, you’ll be able to drive 200 miles between charge ups. While that might not sound overly impressive, personally, I think it would be irresponsible for anyone to drive more than 200 miles in one go without pulling over for a break. Not to mention that the Rapide E will be capable of charging at a rate of 310 miles every hour from the correct sort of charger.
Aston Martin will make only 155 Rapide Es, with deliveries commencing in late 2019. If not for the limited numbers, you would have to say that it’s biggest rival is the Porsche Taycan, which looks to have similar power and acceleration. If somebody held a gun to my head and forced me to choose however, I’d probably go for the Aston.
But now I want to ask you guys: are you excited for the Rapide E, or do you think that Aston should stick to the V12s that have made them great? Also, do you think it’ll be better than the Porsche Taycan, or will the Porsche show the Aston who’s boss? Let me know in the comments.
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Photo credits: Aston Martin
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Comments (6)
If electric cars are the future, Aston Martin has built the grand unobtanium spots coupe. I love the V-8 and V-12 Vanquish, but I’m a school teacher without family wealth. So, I will always love an Aston, even the electric one, but alas, from a distance. There must be a car between the Rapide-E and the Yaris electric which can bring the flush of driving joy, and one for which I can make the payment.
Why doesn’t anyone build a new Fuel cell car
All to do with the efficiency rating mate. From the beginning of the refining process to actually putting hydrogen into a car, it turns out to be no where near as efficient as batteries. It's a shame, as I've always preferred fuel cell cars due...
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