Aston Martin Unveils Fully Electric RapidE Concept With China In Mind [w/Video]

Aston Martin and Williams Advanced Engineering have converted the Rapide S sports sedan into an electric vehicle.

The fully electric Aston Martin RapidE concept has been unveiled outside Lancaster House in London, where visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping met Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

The link with China is interesting, because the RapidE study has been built following increased interest from Chinese investors, who believe a production version would make sense.

As a matter of fact, during the event, Aston Martin and Chinese investment group ChinaEquity announced an agreement to explore the concept’s production potential. If successful, the new luxury sports car would be built at Aston Martin’s global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and could be brought to market in around two years. Unfortunately, no details about the electric drivetrain and batteries were offered.

“We see luxury electric vehicles as an intrinsic part of our future product portfolio and welcome ChinaEquity into the next phase of study for the project development. The exciting RapidE concept tangibly demonstrates the capability and ambition of Aston Martin towards developing low- and zero-emission sports cars,” said Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer.

“We are excited to participate in the development of the RapidE and to make a contribution to Sino-British clean energy and green environmental strategy. We feel confident that there are significant opportunities for electric cars in China and the world,” added ChinaEquity Chairman Chaoyong Wang.