Aston Martin RapidE gets green light for production

Aston Martin has confirmed that its first all-electric model, the RapidE, will enter production in 2019 – as a limited-run model.

The four-door RapidE will be based on the forthcoming Rapide AMR concept. Aston Martin says the car, being developed with the help of Williams Advanced Engineering, will deliver the dynamics of the Rapide S, with an all-electric powertrain replacing the six-litre V12 engine.

Aston Martin will release details about the RapidE’s electric powertrain at a later date. Company CEO Andy Palmer says the model, which is set for a limited production run of 155 cars, will spearhead Aston’s low- and zero-emission vehicle strategy – although he emphasised that conventionally powered cars would remain core to the brand.

“Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are not putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production,” said Palmer.

“RapidE represented a sustainable future in which Aston’s Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it.

“The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century, and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights out customers.”

Williams Advanced Engineering, an off-shoot of the Formula 1 team, worked on the original RapidE concept. Paul McNamara, the firm’s technical director, said: “Williams Advanced Engineering has always endeavoured to work collaboratively with its customers to meet their sustainability challenges and find energy efficient solutions.

“For today’s car manufacturers, this is particularly important as legislation demands more energy efficient vehicles. This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and EV experience we have accumulated and we are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy.”