
The Rolls Royce 102EX, better known as the Phantom Experimental Electric, has apparently died due to lack of interest from existing Rolls-Royce customers.
Rolls had proclaimed this car to be the "world’s first battery-electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment." The all electric vehicle put out 389 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, produced by 96 individual cells, with a total capacity of 71 kWh, and over 1,400lbs. 0-60 came up in under 8 seconds, and was governed to a top speed of 99 mph.
Rolls’ CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös (we had to download the language pack to display those btw) said of response to the car to Mr. Lieberman:
“The (102EX) always was a market research exercise. Over 500 people have been behind the wheel now, all over the world. The feedback is ambivalent so far, unfortunately. I wouldn’t have thought that. Because I’ve always loved the car from the very beginning.” Then added later, "...there’s too much compromise. Charging time of 8 hours: unacceptable. Range of 120 miles, Unacceptable. 120 miles is definitely not enough.”
The one endearing, eternal thing the 102EX Rolls-Royce gave us? The greatest electric, light up hood ornament of all time.
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