Rolls-Royce to reveal its prototype electric vehicle


21 Feb 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its prototype electric vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March, the company has said.

The company, which is renowned for producing luxurious motor vehicles, will exhibit its first battery electric car at the Geneva Motor Show. The 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE) will tour during 2011 for testing and research purposes.

CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said the company had engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment.

“With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future,” he added.

However, the company said there are no plans to develop a production version of the electric vehicle. “As one of the company’s EX models it will serve to begin a dialogue with existing owners and stakeholders, posing as well as answering questions of its audience. These include the car’s ability to deliver an acceptable range between re-charges and to operate in extreme weather conditions.”

Rolls-Royce has said it aims to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media.

This week, Rolls-Royce will launch the website www.electricluxury.com in preparation for the Geneva debut. The website allows the public to contribute to the debate, ‘Electric Luxury: Perfection or Compromise?’.