The Rolls-Royce 102EX - Phantom Experimental Electric (click on images for hi-res photo) [Phantom 102EX Full Specs]
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today that is developing a fully
electric powered Phantom that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on
Mar. 1. The car is identified by two names— the 102EX and the Phantom
Experimental Electric (EE), and will tour four continents throughout
2011.
The BMW-owned British brand has been considering an all-electric
model for some time. It says a production version is not planned, though
the company says the 102EX will act as test bed to gather research that
will influence decisions on future models.
“We have engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the
ultra-luxury segment,” says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce’s CEO.
“With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drivetrains,
seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to
drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.”
“I must be convinced that any alternative drivetrain we choose for the
future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience. It must be a
technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us
on a sound footing for a sustainable future.”
Each electic motor has a power output of 145kW giving the 102EX
290kW, which is down on the 338kW from the petrol engine. But torque is
up – from 720Nm to 800Nm, and over a larger range as electric motors
offer full torque from zero revs.
Rolls-Royce says that pre-testing demonstrates a potential range of
about 200km, and a 0-100km/h time of just under eight seconds – moving
2.6 tonnes was never going to be easy. Top speed will be limited (to
conserve range) to 160km/h.
For those really up with the technology, the tech sheet tells us that
“the Nickel Cobalt Manganese battery chemistry holds around 230Wh/kg,a
high energy density which is important in achieving an acceptable range
between re-charges.” Incidentally, the battery pack is said to be the
largest ever fitted to a road car, but then this is a lot of car.
