Luxury Goes Green: Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom Under Development
Yes, an electric Rolls-Royce. And why not? The torque curve of an electric motor – making maximum pulling power right at zero RPM – would seem to suit the RR mission perfectly, as would the distinct lack of noise, vibration and harshness. Sounds like a match made in heaven, no?
Well, of course there are issues to overcome, not the least of which is sourcing a suitably large battery for the three-ton Phantom sedan. According to Auto Express in the U.K., that battery pack would feature lithium ion cells, which happens to be the same technology used by parent company BMW in its electric Mini E.
These rumors aren't exactly new – we last heard of an electric Roller about a year ago – but this time the addition of a possible range extender is mentioned for the first time. Such a configuration is featured in both the upcoming Chevy Volt and the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept BMW just showed off at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The unnamed spokesperson cited by Auto Express doesn't offer any sort of timetable as to when we might see an electric Phantom, but we're not exactly holding our breath.
[Source: Auto Express]
