Aston Martin Details Upcoming Electric Sedan: Here's What You Need to Know

author: Manish Kharinta   

With the growing popularity of ultra-luxury electric vehicles, Jaguar's former sister company is taking a page out of its ex-sibling's electrified notebook. The Rapide E will be the official moniker of Aston Martin's upcoming all-electric sedan. 

The company recently released the details of its first-ever battery-powered model. The Aston Martin Rapide E has been developed with the help of Williams Advanced Engineering and the car is slated to enter production next year.

Powering the Aston Martin Rapide E will be two electric motors which will produce a peak power output of 602 BHP and 700 lb-ft of torque. The electric sedan will get a 65 kWh battery pack which will replace and occupy the space of the original V-12 engine, transmission, and fuel tank. The twin electric motors will sit between the rear wheels. 

In compliance with the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure, Aston Martin claims that the new EV will get an all-electric driving range of over 200 miles on a full charge.

Sticking to its sporty lineage, Aston Martin has clarified that the electric powertrain was designed with the aim of harnessing maximum performance. Aston Martin also claims that the electric sedan will be capable of completing a full lap of the historical Nurburgring race track without derating the battery. The powertrain will be able to handle hard acceleration and braking.

The Rapide E will be capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and from 50 to 70 mph in 1.5 seconds. Aston Martin has also tweaked the body of the Rapide E. The electric sedan will feature an all-new design of the wheels. The wheels were designed to reduce cabin noise and rolling resistance. 

Even with all these retweaks, Aston Martin has placed great emphasis on retaining the feel and performance characteristics of the original V-12 gas engine. The company has said that both electric motors and the chassis will be carefully tuned. The software will be tuned to focus on retaining the original gas-powered driving experience.

The Rapide E will offer a limited slip differential (LSD) on the rear axle. To further enhance the handling characteristics, the electric motors and differential will work in tandem with revised spring and damper rates.

Like other Astons, this will be an exclusive and limited production. Only 155 units of the Rapide E will be built.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.