Rapide E: The first all-electric Aston Martin - Exciting things to know

Aston Martin's first all-electric vehicle, Rapide E, has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, to extract the optimal aerodynamic performance. The result is a new breed of Aston Martin delivering phenomenal performance enabled through cutting-edge electrification, said the company website, adding that the car has been designed to enhance and build on the feel, character and delivery of the V12-engine Rapide AMR. 

The company has also paid meticulous attention to the development and tuning of both the electric powertrain and the chassis across all three driving modes resulting in an agile, controlled and beautiful balance drive. Here are other special features of Aston Martin's first all-electric car, according to astonmartin.com. 

Powerful design: Rapide E’s exterior and underbody has been aerodynamically optimised and complemented with newly-designed aluminium wheels, created to achieve higher levels of efficiency, frictional loss and cooling performance.

Performance: Rapide E is powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery, encased in a Carbon Fibre and Kevlar casing, with a 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells. These are mounted in a bespoke battery pack where the original 6.0-litre V12, its gearbox and fuel tank were previously located. 

This battery system powers two rear-mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 612PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque making it our most powerful Rapide.​

Speed and endurance: Rapide E has been designed to enhance the feel, character and delivery of the V12-engine Rapide AMR. With a top speed of 155mph and a sub – 4.0 seconds 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 seconds Rapide E unleashes a new electric breed of Aston Martin.

Power and speed: With a range of over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), and a charging capability rate of 185 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger, Rapide E can take you anywhere. The 800V high-voltage battery system enables even faster charging of 310 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivery 100kW or higher.

Beautifully engineered: Rapide E houses the fastest and most powerful derivative of Rapide to date. With twin rear-mounted motors producing 612PS and 950Nm of torque, Rapide E is a pioneering step towards the Aston Martin's electrification strategy, the website says.

Twin electric motors: The rear wheel drive twin electric motors drive through a Limited-Slip Differential, which when combined with the revised spring and damper rates, ensure the pure handling characteristics of the petrol-powered Rapid AMR are retained, according to the information given on website.