Aston takes the fight to Tesla with the Aston Martin RapidE

Aston Martin RapidE

Based on the RapidE AMR concept the, 5.9Litre V12 will give way to a new all-electric powertrain. The move is in line with Aston’s new strategic plan for the development of low and zero-emission vehicles. The RapidE will be a limited run model and continue the collaborative works of Aston and Williams Advanced Engineering, the same Williams responsible for the 7 Formula One vehicles their F1 cohorts share. The details regarding the powertrain will follow as production draws nearer, but given the nature of electric propulsion, the power will be instantaneous and pretty likely rather furious to the spine.  Just 155 of these 4- door, 4-seater RapidE’s will be built and production is set to begin in 2019.

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin CEO, shared his thoughts on the RapidE: “Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production. RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance doesn’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it. The internal combustion engine has been at the heart of Aston Martin for more than a century and will continue to be for years to come. RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change, delivering a new breed of car that stays true to our ethos and delights our customers.”     

Williams Advanced Engineering’s Technical Director, Paul McNamara, said: “Williams Advanced Engineering has always endeavoured to work collaboratively with its customers to meet their sustainability challenges and find energy efficient solutions. For today’s car manufacturers, this is particularly important as legislation demands more energy efficient vehicles. This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and EV experience we have accumulated and we are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy.”

Aston Martin RapidE Availability

The Aston Martin RapidE will hit the production lines in 2019. No word on what markets it will be sold in, but that gives us time enough to make sure we have the necessary infrastructure to support fully electric vehicles.

Khanye Ngwenya