Rolls-Royce to unveil experimental electric Phantom

by Steven Mostyn - Feb 21 2011, 12:51

When you think of car manufacturers that would make ideal candidates for the creation of a cutting-edge electric motor vehicle, the likes of Toyota and Nissan might be high on the resulting list—Rolls-Royce, on the other hand, probably wouldn’t be.

However, despite being renowned for its expensive and luxurious—not to mention decidedly heavy—road vehicles, Rolls-Royce is indeed angling for the kind of eco-friendly consumer appeal that comes with a penchant for tree hugging and CO2 reduction.

Bearing that in mind, Rolls-Royce parent company BMW has said it plans to unveil the experimental 102EX, a fully electric update of its flagship Phantom, during next month’s Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

According to Rolls-Royce chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos, the 102EX isn’t likely to find its way into full production, but the company is still keen on showcasing the concept car to help gauge consumer interest in its eco-friendly engineering.

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

“I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience,” he added. “It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future.”

Described as the world’s first “battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment”, the 102EX Phantom will be making its tradeshow debut in Geneva from March 1. It will then embark on a tour of Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

Around the Web