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Reports say that Aston Martin will launch its first all-electric vehicle known as the Rapide E in the market by the end of 2019. Just recently, the British luxury automaker has revealed the car's latest validation prototype, which comes with a new 800-volt powertrain.
Back in 2015, it revealed a Rapide converted with an all-electric drivetrain. Two years later, the carmaker collaborated with Williams Advanced Engineering for the development of the car's electric powertrain.
A few months back, the car manufacturer confirmed that the collaboration led to the development of a new powertrain. It comprises an 800V battery electrical architecture with 65kWh installed capacity utilizing more than 5600 lithium ion 18650 format cylindrical cells that power two rear-mounted electric motors cranking out a combined target output of over 610PS and a 950Nm of torque.
Now, Aston Martin has put together the initial validation prototype of the Rapide E, which CEO Andy Palmer touted as a breakthrough.
In September last year, the carmaker disclosed some estimated performance specifications, including a speed of 155mph, a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 sec. It also claims that the battery pack can enable a range of over 300 kilometers under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. Meanwhile, the 800v battery system is said to accept a charge rate of 100kW or higher.
Aston Martin has not disclosed any pricing details yet, but it is anticipated to be high given that it has only confirmed a limited production run of 155 units of the Rapide E with the first deliveries slated for the fourth quarter of this year.
Source: https://bit.ly/2G6FLNF
