First electric Aston Martin unveiled at Shanghai Auto

Aston Martin Logonda's first electric vehicle, Rapide E, has made its world debut at China’s Auto Shanghai motor show.

It is the first car to be built at Aston Martin’s St Athan production facility, which is the brand’s home of electrification.

Rapide E has a claimed range is over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 185 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger. However, the car’s 800V high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 310 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher. For destination charging, the car also features a high-power AC on-board charger capable of recharging the battery in three hours.

Top speed for Rapide E is 155mph, with a sub-4.0 second 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 seconds.

A dedicated app allows key information from the car to be remotely monitored. This dashboard displays remaining range, battery status, and time to charge, as well as allowing navigation destinations to be sent from the app to the car for easy route planning. The car’s parking spot can also be seen via the app, with walking directions provided to help re-locate it in busy locations. Finally, the health and status of Rapide E can also be tracked from the app, providing reminders such as when a key service is due.

Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda, commented: “As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step. One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future. As a car company we cannot afford to passively allow that future to come to us; we have to actively chase it. Only by doing this can we learn and prepare, but also preserve those things we love as drivers and car enthusiasts. That’s why it was so important to me that in embracing EV technology we should not let go of those unique qualities that define an Aston Martin. I believe Rapide E embodies that desire and paves the way for a hugely exciting future.”

Rapide E is available to order now, with prices available on application.