While Rolls-Royce may seem slow on the EV uptake, it’s actually been experimenting with electrification for some time. Back in 2011, for instance, the luxury brand debuted the 102EX, a battery-powered prototype based on the Phantom. Then, half a decade later, Rolls-Royce redoubled its efforts and shocked the world with the striking 103EX.
Now, though, it’s clear that the double R means business, as it’s just announced the development of its first-ever fully electric production vehicle. Dubbed the ‘Spectre,’ it’ll be an all-new car based on the same Architecture of Luxury platform as used in the latest Ghost and Phantom models. Of course, at this point, Rolls-Royce is keeping pretty tight-lipped about the details. However, we do know that the Spectre is about to embark on an extensive global testing process in which it’ll cover some 2.5 million kilometres (1.5 million miles) — the equivalent of about 400 years of use. What’s more, Rolls-Royce sees the car as both a fulfilment of founder Charles Rolls’ electrified prophesy as well as a forerunner for the next era of automobiles. That is to say, by the end of 2030, all of the Goodwood automaker’s cars will be electric.
Sure, the Spectre may only appear as a logo-wrapped test mule for the time being, but there’s no denying that something exciting is on the horizon. And besides, it’ll be here sooner than you think — Rolls-Royce is shooting for it to be on sale by the end of 2023.
