Aston Martin Confirms First Electric Vehicle Production with Williams Advanced Engineering
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Aston Martin today announced its first all-electric model, the RapidE, will enter production in 2019 based on the British marque’s recently launched Rapide AMR concept
Williams Advanced Engineering was involved in the original concept of the RapidE.
The RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model and will be limited to a run of 155 cars whilst Williams Advanced Engineering will assist with the complex task of engineering integration.
Based upon the Rapide AMR concept, RapidE will deliver four-door sports car looks and dynamics of the Rapide S powered by an all-electric powertrain replacing the six-liter V12 engine. More information will be revealed about the RapidE’s all-electric powertrain in due course.
Williams Advanced Engineering recently led a consortium of organizations, including Aston Martin, in a successful bid for an APC (Advanced Propulsion Centre) Competition. This funding will be used to build a high performance, low volume, flexible battery manufacturing facility in the UK, the battery for the RapidE will be ‘halo’ project for this facility.
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Technical Director at Williams Advanced Engineering, Paul McNamara, commented: “Williams Advanced Engineering has always endeavored 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 President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said of 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 don’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."