Geneva Preshow: Rolls-Royce 102EX EV Study Might Just have the Largest Passenger Car Battery...in the World

Rolls-Royce has pulled the wraps off the next vehicle in its EX concept series, the 102EX (AKA Phantom Experimental Electric). The 102EX is meant to gauge reactions and opinions from the firm's clientele, shareholders, and the general public in regards to a Roller with a non-traditional drive train. As the 102EX is strictly a concept, Rolls-Royce hopes to resolve any issues that people might have with an all-electric - or any non-traditionally powered - Rolls.

Going back to the RR playbook, customers are the most important people to the Spirit of Ecstasy. Therefore, the manufacturer wants to be sure that expectations are met, not too much extra effort has to be put into ownership ("acceptable range...without frequent recharging"), and a proper Rolls-Royce ownership experience is provided.

Using the Phantom's aluminum spaceframe as a base, Rolls-Royce engineers have installed two electric motors (145 kW each) and a lithium-battery pack in the 102EX. The pack uses five lithium-cobalt-manganese-oxide (or NCM) "pouch cells" sized at four, eight, ten, thirty-six, and thirty-eight cells in a formation that mimics the shape of the usual engine and transmission.

Charging is performed by three individual 3kW chargers that allow for both single-phase and three-phase charging at 20 hours and 8 hours, respectively. Rolls is also trying out induction charging, which uses a giant transfer pad on the floor and an induction pad under the car (like those Powermat phone chargers).

All told, the electric setup provides the 102EX with 290 kW (389HP) and 800 Nm of torque (versus 338 kW or 453HP and 750 Nm in the standard Phantom). Current estimates put the 102EX's range at 200 kilometers (124 miles) with the ability to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 8 seconds (5.7 seconds for the V12 Phantom) and a limited top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).

Trying not to sway too far from expectations, the 102EX will retain many standard Roll-Royce features while applying new ideas that represent the car's electric heart.

Its exterior is finished in four coats of Atlantic Chrome, a shade of paint that uses ceramic nano particles to provide a unique reflective surface. Also, the nose-mounted Spirit of Ecstasy is now made of Makrolon (not stainless steel) and will glow. The fuel cap has been modified to provide a charging point with LED indicators that show current charge status such as blue (initial stage), flashing blue (charging), green (fully charged), flashing green (when the charging solenoid is removed). Red or flashing red indicates a problem in the system.

Atlantic Chrome also finds its way to the interior, where the car's gauges have been modified to provide the electric drive train's information; examples include gauges for battery charge level, power reserve, etc. To make things even more convenient, there is a switch in the front center armrest that controls charging and houses a readout showing the car's charge status.

Now, to the luxury feel; the interior wears Corinova leather, which uses a "natural vegetable tanning process" and is 100% chrome-free and uses an aluminized foil weave instead of wood.

Scroll on down for more pictures, and don't forget to check back for live shots from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

By Phil Alex

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Geneva Preshow: Rolls Royce Phantom 102EX with Full-Electric Drive

Rolls Royce will be showcasing a one-off, fully electric powered Phantom at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2011. The British automaker said the car will serve as a working test bed to explore the feasibility of battery-powered Rolls Royce models in the near future.

�We have engineered the world�s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment,� said CEO Torsten M�ller-�tv�s, speaking from the company�s headquarters in Goodwood. �With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.�

The 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), will go on a world tour in 2011 offering Rolls Royce owners and enthusiasts in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America the opportunity to test drive the car and share their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly with the company.

According to Rolls Royce, these include the 102EX's ability to deliver an acceptable range between re-charges and to operate in extreme weather conditions, as well as to benchmark reliability and quality against customer expectations.

�I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience,� added M�ller-�tv�s. �It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future.�

Rolls Royce said it will reveal photos and full technical specifications for the 102EX at the Geneva Salon on March 1.

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Anything but Ordinary: Jeremy Westerlund�s Rolls-Royce Apparition

In my opinion, �ber-luxury sedans are a little bit staid. Yes, from an engineering standpoint they are all very impressive and the technology incorporated into them is often state-of-the-art. You have to admit, though, that very few of us would drool over a Maybach the way you�d drool over a Lamborghini. Even the unshakable Rolls-Royce Phantom, the last word in personal luxury, is a little...well, dull.

So when a student designer like Jeremy Westerlund comes along with a design as interesting and unique as the Rolls Royce Apparition, all you can do is stare. Here is a personal limousine that, if it were built, would be 23 feet long. A car that features yacht-like styling and mahogany inserts on the wheels.

Clever design features abound, like the spare wheel secreted into the bodywork at the front like 1930s Rollers, an open cockpit for the driver and the twin rear windows that mirror the shape of the headlights. It�s like something out of a science fiction film, and a heck of a lot more interesting than some of the so-called concept cars Rolls-Royce has show in the past five years.

Though don�t take my word for it. Voice your own opinion in the comments section below. Is Westerlund�s Apparition a styling triumph or a design disaster?

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Jeremy Westerlund via Autoblog

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