Aston Martin to make its first all-electric car

West Midlands-based luxury sports car maker Aston Martin has confirmed it will start making the RapidE in two year's time.

The car will be based on its Rapide AMR high performance vehicle, and a limited run of just 155 will be made in 2019.

It comes less than two years after the idea of an electric Aston was first unveiled as a concept.

Aston Martin says it spearheads development of the brand’s low- and zero-emission vehicle strategy laid out by company president and CEO Andy Palmer in the company’s Second Century Plan.

RapidE is a collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering - part of the famous F1 racing team – which worked on the original RapidE Concept. Based in Grove, Oxfordshire, Williams Advanced Engineering will assist Aston Martin with the complex task of engineering integration.

Aston Martin, based at Gaydon and with a new factory at St Athan in South Wales, says the RapidE will be a four-door sports car powered by an all-electric powertrain replacing the six-litre V12 engine.

The company said: "The instantaneous delivery characteristics of electric motors means the RapidE will offer a unique driving experience of a kind not experienced before in an Aston Martin."

Chief executive Andy Palmer said: “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.”

Paul McNamara, technical director at Williams Advanced Engineering 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.”