Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom 102EX

Phantom Experimental Electric one-off study makes its Geneva Motor Show debut.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Tom Phillips

February 2011

How could a Rolls-Royce become even more refined? By running on electric, of course! That’s exactly the route the firm is taking – announcing its battery-powered Phantom at the Geneva Motor Show.

It’s called the 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric, and has been built to show to customers over the next 12 months.

As well as gathering data on how the model performs, the firm wants to know if an electric Rolls is something its buyers would accept and ultimately purchase. Speaking about the car, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: “We are seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce cars of the future.”

There are no official plans to build an electric vehicle, but the concept will help the manufacturer identify an acceptable range to potential buyers, and establish how the car copes with a range of climatic conditions.

“I must be convinced that any alternative drivetrain delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience,” added Müller-Ötvös.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous Next >

5 Comments

Hyper Luxury Hybrid...not

A missed trick here.

A hybrid would be a hit with captains of industry and thumbed nose to Mayor Johnson and his congestion charge and probably those who set car tax rates...

One wonders if much of this level of inspiration would find it's way into the design department.

By Townsman on 22 February, 2011, 7:17pm

Oh dear Cynthia, Whatever next?

A Rolls Royce that you... plug... in?

I'm not sure my dear, whatever has the Nation has come to? First they expected us to put our own fuel in at the station - and now we have to... plug... it... in? It's not a vacuum cleaner for goodness sake! This just will not do.

By craiglife on 1 March, 2011, 12:31pm

This Will Do Nicely...One Day!

Whats the point of having a £250K car if there is no petrol to put in it? Alternatives have to be evaluated. I read a while ago RR where to build a prototype extended range electric vehicle with a 1500cc engine to charge up the batteries. Shame that is nowhere to be seen.

By LANMAN on 2 March, 2011, 11:43am

The world is changing... or let's say charging.

A typical RR user does not use it for long distance travel, so actually this could be a breakthrough and on the other hand it should be cheaper to produce and to run. Although cheaper and accessible could be seen as a compromise.

By vetex007 on 2 March, 2011, 3:48pm

Electric Rolls Royce - A very good idea!

It is about time that "the best" car in the world also get with the program. Well done Rolls Royce. An electric car is a very good idea. Do it sooner than later but just lose the plastic Spirit if Ecstacy. Plastic has no place on a Rolls and should never even have been a option.

By SamCo on 11 March, 2011, 6:46am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.