Luxury car manufacturer Rolls Royce has announced they have created their first electric-powered prototype vehicle dubbed the Rolls Royce 102EX, which was rumoured back in November 2009.
Rolls-Royce, a unit of German auto giant BMW AG, has created the new electric car in the form of its flagship “Phantom” model. But rather than fitting a 6.75-liter 12-cylinder engine, gas guzzler, the new electric prototype car is fitted with a fully electric engine.
Specifications are a little thin on the ground at the moment until the new Rolls-Royce 102EX concept car is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1. The new car will go through extensive testing in 2011 but Rolls-Royce said they have no immediate plans to develop a production version.
The Vision Behind the Rolls Royce 102EX
The introduction of the Rolls Royce 102EX marks a significant step for the luxury car manufacturer as it explores the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in the high-end automotive market. The 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), is designed to test the feasibility of electric powertrains in the context of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to luxury, performance, and craftsmanship. The company aims to gather feedback from customers, VIPs, and the media to understand the expectations and concerns surrounding electric luxury vehicles.
The 102EX is not just a technological experiment but also a statement of intent. Rolls-Royce is keen to demonstrate that electric power can deliver the same level of refinement and performance that its customers expect. The electric Phantom is equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors, which together produce a substantial amount of torque, ensuring smooth and silent acceleration.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the Rolls Royce 102EX is a groundbreaking prototype, it also highlights some of the challenges that luxury car manufacturers face in the transition to electric mobility. One of the primary concerns is the range of the vehicle. Luxury car owners expect their vehicles to be capable of long-distance travel without frequent stops for recharging. Rolls-Royce is addressing this by exploring advanced battery technologies and charging solutions that could offer a range comparable to their traditional internal combustion engine models.
Another challenge is maintaining the brand’s hallmark features, such as the whisper-quiet cabin and the smooth, effortless ride. Electric vehicles are inherently quieter than their gasoline counterparts, but ensuring that the electric powertrain meets Rolls-Royce’s stringent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) standards requires meticulous engineering.
Despite these challenges, the future prospects for electric Rolls-Royce vehicles are promising. The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Rolls-Royce’s exploration of electric powertrains aligns with this global shift towards greener technologies. The feedback and data collected from the 102EX will be invaluable in shaping the company’s future electric vehicle offerings.
The Rolls Royce 102EX represents a bold step into the future of luxury electric vehicles. While it is currently a prototype with no immediate plans for production, it serves as a crucial testbed for understanding the potential and challenges of electric mobility in the luxury segment. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering unparalleled luxury and performance to its discerning clientele.
Via Reuters
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
