Aston Martin Rapide E Features Fast Charging And Will Be Capped At 155 Units

The long-awaited Aston Martin Rapide E has just been unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The British car manufacturer has been developing the vehicle for a number of years and the finished product adopts a design which separates it from traditionally-powered Rapide models. The Rapide E will also be Aston Martin’s first car built at its new St Athan production facility.

Aston Martin worked with Williams Advanced Engineering to create the model. Underpinning the vehicle is an 800V electric architecture and a 65 kWh battery encased in carbon fiber and Kevlar and complete with over 5600 ltihium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. This battery pack is found where the 6.0-liter V12 of the Rapide usually resides and sends power to a pair of electric motors driving the rear axle with 601 hp 700 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque.

The Aston Martin Rapide E has a range exceeding 200 miles (320 km) under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and is capable of charging at a rate of 185 miles of range per hour through a common 400V 50kW charger. However, the Rapide E also offers fast charging for a range of 310 miles per hour. The vehicle itself also incorporates a high power AC on-board charger which can top up the battery in just 3 hours.

In terms of performance, Aston Martin quotes a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of less than 4 seconds and a 50-70 mph time of 1.5 seconds. The Rapide E will hit a 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed.

Those thinking about purchasing Aston Martin’s first all-electric production vehicle will be pleased to hear that the carmaker spent a considerable amount of time tuning the vehicle’s chassis with GT, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes available. There is also a limited-slip differential at the rear as well as revised spring and damper rates which should ensure the Rapide E handles just as well as the Rapide AMR.

Visually, the all-electric sedan features a re-designed underfloor which funnels engine from the front splitter through to the enlarged rear diffuser. Forged aluminum wheels have also been developed for the model and come wrapped in special Pirelli P-Zero tires.

“Unveiling the Rapide E will be a huge moment for Aston Martin. As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step.One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future.” Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer said.

Production of the Aston Martin Rapide E will be capped at 155 units worldwide.