Aston Martin is thinking of creating an electric version of the Rapide, which it aims to bring into production within then next three years. Andy Palmer, Aston’s new CEO, spoke at the New York Auto Show this week.
The electric Rapide would involve the British sports car manufacturer forming partnerships with another company with a little more experience with electric powertrains, but Palmer confirmed that it wouldn’t be Tesla. As an ex-Renault Nissan Alliance senior member, Palmer has got the kind of experience with EVs that would give Aston Martin the sort of edge it would need to make it big in the hybrid supercar market.
Aston Martin have in the past made significant strides towards alternative-fuel cars. The DBX concept at the Geneva Motor Show, for example, demonstrated the company’s ability, or at least intention, to produce something that could run on pure electric propulsion. There was even a hybrid hydrogen-powered Rapide (pictured here) that the company entered into an endurance event at the Nürburgring, so we reckon a production-ready electric Rapide could gain some real momentum soon.
