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The production version of the electric Aston Martin Rapide E has been revealed at the Shanghai motor show. That’s the good news. The bad news is that only 155 will be built.
The Rapide E is powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery – encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar casing – with a 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. This bespoke battery pack lies where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank were located, with the 800V system allowing for more efficient charging and greatly improved thermal characteristics over existing electrical architectures. This battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and 950Nm of torque.
The Rapide E’s range is over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 185 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger. However, the car’s 800V high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 310 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher. For destination charging, the car also features a high-power AC on-board charger capable of recharging the battery in as little as 3 hours.
Top speed for Rapide E is 155mph, with a sub-4.0 second 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 seconds.
Aston Martin claims that the Rapide E can be driven on a full lap of the Nürburgring with no performance loss from the battery or motors.
The rear-wheel drive Rapide E has three driving modes, GT, Sport and Sport +, and the twin electric motors drive through a Limited-Slip Differential.
Developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), the Rapide E is 8% more aerodynamic than the internal combustion model.The Rapide E is available to order now, with prices available on application.
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