Production version of Aston Martin RapidE to hit the market in 2018
Aston Martin has announced it will work with technology company LeEco to develop a production version of the electric-only RapidE concept which will hit the market in 2018.
THE COMPETITION for Tesla is about to heat up with Aston Martin announcing yesterday it had signed a memorandum of understanding with technology company LeEco to produce a production version of the Aston Martin RapidE. That concept was a test case to see how the company could electrify an existing model. And it will be the first of many electric vehicle, Aston Martin has said.
“It is anticipated that the partnership will see the two companies working together in developing and manufacturing RapidE, with potential for adding a range of next-generation connected electric vehicles on behalf of Aston Martin, LeEco and Faraday Future,” Aston Martin announced.
Aston Martin said it’s focused on bringing the RapidE to market in 2018 utilising the best technologies from the companies’ portfolios. Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Mr. Ding Lei, co-founder and global vice chairman of SEE Plan, said, “Signing of this MOU ushers a new phase of the collaborations between Aston Martin and LeEco. LeEco’s SEE Plan is dedicated to build electric, smart, connected and socialised cars. We have been targeting the highest standard in the auto industry in terms of design, R&D and manufacturing of our electric cars. We hope that, by strengthening collaborations with Aston Martin, our future models will provide premium qualities and delicate arts and crafts as good as those of Aston Martin.”
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said: “Aston Martin are dedicated to developing a range of cars with low emission technologies. We have been encouraged by the project speed and technical depth shown by Letv in the development of the RapidE concept towards full production. Bringing the RapidE to market by 2018 is an important milestone for both companies.”
When the RapidE concept (details of which are still under wraps) was revealed last year, Palmer said:
“We see luxury electric vehicles as an intrinsic part of our future product portfolio and welcome ChinaEquity into the next phase of study for the project development.
“The exciting RapidE concept tangibly demonstrates the capability and ambition of Aston Martin towards developing low- and zero-emission sports cars.”
How will it be a Tesla competitor at what 3-4x the price.
In so far as it’s an all-electric vehicle that will now mean there’ll be more choice… and it will lead to more, and cheaper all-electric vehicles. So, the ‘plan’ rather than that car will be a Tesla competitor, if you know what I mean. – Isaac
The stratospheric pricing of an Aston makes it irrelevant IMO. Telsa has been successful in part due to it’s pretty good pricing, The real competition will come form the likes of MB, Audi, BMW, VW as they release EV version of mainstream cars like the C class or 3 class.