Rolls-Royce joins the electric bandwagon with Phantom Experimental Electric

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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its 102EX Phantom at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday. The British manufacturer is billing the experimental vehicle as ‘the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment.’

Developed in recognition of the need for sustainability in future products, the 102EX, or Phantom Experimental Electric, is a test vehicle that will be available only for short-term drives by Rolls owners and enthusiasts, as well as the media. Rolls-Royce has no plans to build a production version, only to gather research.

The Experimental Electric is based on the gas-powered Phantom but swaps out the 6.75-liter V12 engine and six-speed gearbox for a 71-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and twin 145-kilowatt motors mounted to the rear subframe. The car makes about 400 horsepower and can reach a maximum speed of about 100 mph. Rolls-Royce estimates the electric will be able to travel up to 124 miles per charge.

Rolls-Royce says the Phantom’s battery pack, which is the first application of electric technology in a super luxury vehicle priced at more than $300,000, may be the largest ever used in a road car.

-- Susan Carpenter

Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars