Photo: Aston Martin
We sincerely hope the number of EV detractors has dwindled over the years after they were given proof of their unfounded resistance to change by a series of wonderful machines, with Tesla leading the way. If the electron-powered Aston Martin Rapide turns out to be more than just a rumor, we expect even the most hardcore EV hater to be instantly converted.
The Aston Martin Rapide is a wonderful car in its own way: gorgeous design, glimpses of practicality and a phenomenal engine. Company CEO Andy Palmer hinted at an all-electric Rapide all the way back in April and chose the setting of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for a semi-official confirmation.
According to the executive, the electric four-door Aston should arrive no later than two years from now and it should be followed by a similarly-powered DBX crossover by the end of the decade.
The CEO was careful not to give away too many details, but he did mention the most important highlights: around 800 hp, all-wheel drive and a 200-mile (320km) range.
Another reason has something to with Tesla Motors (everything has something to do with Tesla these days). The market success of their Model S has made Aston Martin realize there's a market for high-end electric performance cars which isn't seized by anybody at the moment. But blink, and the opportunity is gone, as they say.
Mr. Palmer said they have no intention of matching Tesla Model S' 0-100 km/h times saying “we don’t do Ludicrous because Ludicrous speed is stupid.” He was making a reference to the recently announced Ludicrous mode for Tesla Model S cars which brings the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint time down to 2.8 seconds.
The batteries will come from one of the heavy names in the industry - Samsung or LG - but definitely not Panasonic, Mr. Palmer insisted. Annual production should remain within the hundreds mark.
Proving this is not just wishful thinking on Mr. Palmer's part, an all-electric Aston Martin Rapide test mule is already roaming the streets. The two-year release schedule doesn't seem exceedingly optimistical now, does it?
According to the executive, the electric four-door Aston should arrive no later than two years from now and it should be followed by a similarly-powered DBX crossover by the end of the decade.
The CEO was careful not to give away too many details, but he did mention the most important highlights: around 800 hp, all-wheel drive and a 200-mile (320km) range.
So why now?
The reason behind this newly developed interest in EVs can easily be guessed. Hint: it has some remote connection with the Cygnet fiasco. Yes, Aston Martin has to keep building V12 supercars and, to do that, it has to counterbalance fleet CO2 emissions in some way.Another reason has something to with Tesla Motors (everything has something to do with Tesla these days). The market success of their Model S has made Aston Martin realize there's a market for high-end electric performance cars which isn't seized by anybody at the moment. But blink, and the opportunity is gone, as they say.
Mr. Palmer said they have no intention of matching Tesla Model S' 0-100 km/h times saying “we don’t do Ludicrous because Ludicrous speed is stupid.” He was making a reference to the recently announced Ludicrous mode for Tesla Model S cars which brings the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint time down to 2.8 seconds.
The batteries will come from one of the heavy names in the industry - Samsung or LG - but definitely not Panasonic, Mr. Palmer insisted. Annual production should remain within the hundreds mark.
Proving this is not just wishful thinking on Mr. Palmer's part, an all-electric Aston Martin Rapide test mule is already roaming the streets. The two-year release schedule doesn't seem exceedingly optimistical now, does it?
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