Aston Martin plans a Rapid charge

Aston Martin has lifted the wraps on a fully electric concept of its Rapide S four-door sports saloon.

The new RapidE concept has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering at its facility in Grove, Oxfordshire.

It is on display in support of a creative summit organised by the government’s GREAT campaign to showcase the best of British and encourage people to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK.

Aston Martin chief Andy Palmer said: “We see luxury electric vehicles as an intrinsic part of our future product portfolio.

“The exciting RapidE concept tangibly demonstrates the capability and ambition of Aston Martin towards developing low- and zero-emission sports cars.”

During the reveal, Aston Martin and Chinese investment group ChinaEquity announced an agreement to explore the development of a production version of the RapidE concept.

If it gets the go-ahead the car will be constructed at Aston Martin’s global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and could be brought to market in around two years.

ChinaEquity chairman Chaoyong Wang said: “We are delighted that Aston Martin not only provides a high performance driving experience to customers, but also shows their social responsibility by showcasing a new generation of electric car with zero emissions.”