Rapide E: details of the first 100% electric car from Aston Martin

The Rapide E is presented as the first 100% electric model from Aston Martin. It will feature a BEV battery and deliver performance at the highest level.

Production of the first 100% electric vehicle from Aston Martin is progressing well. The prestigious English manufacturer has stated that the units of this exclusive project will be limited to 155.

Aston Martin has focused its efforts on electric vehicle technology to enhance its powertrain engineering and take on the technological challenges associated with fitting the batteries and motors into the available space.

Creating an adequate cooling system for the batteries and the motor is one of the main motivations for the engineering team. Among other things, weight reduction, thanks to the use of different types of alloys as well as carbon composite materials, will help to achieve this goal.

The Rapide E will feature an 800V electric battery, with a capacity of 65 kWh and more than 5,600 cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cells. This battery system will power two electric motors, both located at the rear of the vehicle, which combined produce a total output of 610 CV and an incredible 950 Nm of maximum torque.

As for its range, it does not seem that it will have revolutionary figures, especially considering that we are talking about an extremely sporty model, and its range will suffer during acceleration and spirited driving.

The official range figures, according to the WLTP regulations, give the model a total of 320 kilometres, which, as we said before, will depend on the driving style used.

What is interesting, however, lies in its charging capacity, making it possible to achieve a range of 300 kilometres with a one-hour charge using a 50 kW charger.

The Rapide E is being developed with the aim of achieving high performance. Its projected top speed will be 250 km/h, reaching 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

It should be noted that this level of performance will not be limited only to when the batteries are 100% charged. The goal is to deliver maximum performance at any battery state of charge, as would be expected from a conventional combustion-engined vehicle.

Its bodywork and exterior are aerodynamically optimised and complemented by new tyres. The Pirelli P-Zero, with lower rolling resistance and reduced noise, have been chosen by the English manufacturer.

Another goal of the project was to retain and improve the sensations, character and delivery of the V12 engine power of the Rapide S. To this end, special attention has been paid to the development and tuning of the electric powertrain and the chassis, focused especially on the integration of the software.

The Rapide E’s two rear electric motors feature a limited-slip differential, which, combined with the new spring and damper settings, guarantees the driving characteristics for which the combustion-engined Rapide S is famous.

Although the Rapide E will be built in very small volumes, it is subject to the strict and exhaustive testing protocols of Aston Martin with the WAE team, dedicated to working closely with Aston Martin staff to ensure that every aspect of the prototype’s test programme follows the brand’s established procedures.

Customers of the supercar will be able to take part in the extended part of the Rapide E programme. Through their feedback and driving experiences, they will provide the brand with valuable information on what aspects to improve and what to add. After all, it must be remembered that this is Aston Martin’s first foray into the world of 100% electric cars.

Aston Martin acknowledges the interest of its customers through its dealer network, with pricing available on request.

Customer deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2019, and its reservations promise to sell out very soon.