(continued from above)
Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring
for the world's most discerning customers. However, the company also recognizes
the need to look to the future and to plan for long-term sustainable growth. An
investigation into alternative drive-train options is an important step in that
process.
With 102EX, also to be known as the Phantom Experimental
Electric (EE), it is the company's intention to carefully test the opinions and
reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders
including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media.
Throughout 2011 Phantom EE will serve as a working test bed, giving owners,
VIPs, the media and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience an established
alternative drive-train technology and to feed back their experiences, thoughts
and concerns directly.
The bank of research gathered from a global drive
program that will include Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America will
be crucial to decisions affecting alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor
Cars.
There are no plans to build a production version of this car.
Phantom EE's role is as a test bed, designed to explore established BEV
technologies, to pose as well as to answer questions.
Can Phantom EE
deliver an acceptable range for customers without frequent re-charging? Is there
confidence in its ability to operate in extreme conditions? Will reliability and
quality be consistent with expectations of the world's pinnacle automotive
brand?
Phantom EE also poses more fundamental questions: Is an
all-electric drive-train able to deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience for
customers, an experience that truly befits the marque?
Whether
all-electric or another alternative drive-train option is right for Rolls-Royce
will become clearer when the test program is complete at the end of the year.
UPDATE 12/19/2011: 102EX (Phantom Experimental Electric), returned to the
Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in West Sussex, England last week following
completion of its global test program.
Since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2011, 102EX has
undergone an intensive program around the world, stimulating debate on whether
electric motoring can deliver a true Rolls-Royce experience, and providing key
insights from customers, thought-leaders and media. Market research is now being
collated and the company will publish its findings in the first quarter of 2012.
Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric Concept: Review (2/2)