Aston Martin: Electric into the future
Aston Martin is focusing on the electrification of its older models: On request, the brand is now equipping classic cars with an electric motor. Starting next year, the brand, which gained fame not least through the James Bond films, plans to build the Rapide E in St. Athan, Wales, as the first fully electric Aston Martin. The plant has been [...]
Starting next year, the brand, which has gained fame not least through the James Bond films, plans to build the Rapide E in St. Athan, Wales, as the first all-electric Aston Martin.
The plant has been declared the "Home of Electrification," and the noble manufacturer plans to electrify its entire model range by 2025. But Aston Martin Works plans to start electrifying its classic cars even sooner.
Cassette makes original state possible
A first model, a DB6 Mk II Volante built in 1970, has already been converted at the Newport Pagnell plant - which is also home to Aston Martin's classic car division. This is made possible by the "Cassette" electric drive system developed from the know-how and technology of the Rapide-E program, which is said to fit the original engine and transmission mounts. This means that the vehicle can also be restored to its original standard condition.
Discrete power management
Components of the "casette" are the e-motor, the battery, electrical control units and the necessary power-conducting cables. A screen discreetly mounted in the vehicle controls the power management.
By equipping Heritage models with the retrofittable e-drive, Aston Martin aims to pre-empt feared driving bans on classic cars.
