The Rolls-Royce 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), is a one-off

electric Electricity is the set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter that has a property of electric charge. Electricity is related to magnetism, both being part of the phenomenon of electromagnetism, as described by ...

prototype version of the

Rolls-Royce Phantom VII The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a full-sized luxury saloon car made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Launched in 2003, it was the first Rolls-Royce developed and introduced after BMW purchased the right to use the Rolls-Royce name and logo in 1998. It was ...

. It was created by

Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce (always hyphenated) may refer to: * Rolls-Royce Limited, a British manufacturer of cars and later aero engines, founded in 1906, now defunct Automobiles * Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the current car manufacturing company incorporated in ...

to gauge the response of customers and other stakeholders to an electric Rolls-Royce. The 102EX was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Specifications

The 102EX is powered by two UQM-supplied synchronous permanent-magnet electric motors mounted on the rear sub-frame. Each of these motors are power rated to 145 kW for a maximum system output of . Maximum torque output is . Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a 1-speed

Xtrac Xtrac Limited, also known as Xtrac Transmission Technology, is a British engineering company founded in 1984 by the former Hewland engineer Mike Endean to make 4WD systems and gearboxes for rallycross and later rally and racing cars. Endean, tog ...

transmission with integrated differential. These motors are fed by a 71 kWh battery pack which is composed of 96 NCMNCM is an abbreviation of Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Oxide, a type of lithium-ion battery chemistry chosen by Rolls-Royce because of its high energy density cells. These cells are placed in the space occupied by a standard Phantom's engine and gearbox. Peak battery current is 850 amperes delivered at 338 volts (DC). The cells were manufactured by

Dow Kokam The Dow Chemical Company, officially Dow Inc., is an American multinational chemical corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, United States. The company is among the three largest chemical producers in the world. Dow manufactures plastics ...

, which Scottish firm

Axeon Johnson Matthey Battery Systems, part of the Johnson Matthey group and formerly called Axeon, designs and manufactures advanced lithium-ion battery systems for electric vehicles and processes over 70 million cells per year. Headquartered in Du ...

assembled into a battery pack. Electric drivetrain integration was carried out by

Lotus Engineering Lotus Cars Limited is a British automotive company headquartered in Norfolk, England which manufactures sports cars and Auto racing, racing cars noted for their light weight and fine Automobile handling, handling characteristics. Lotus was pre ...

. The battery pack is charged by 3 separate 3 kW charger units which allow for a minimum charging time of approximately 8 hours. Alternatively, the Phantom is also fitted with an induction charger which allows the car to be charged wirelessly. The 102EX is differentiated from series production Phantoms visually. It is painted in "Atlantic Chrome" silver which uses ceramic nano-particles to increase the reflectivity of the paint. It is fitted with red "double-R" badges, which Rolls-Royce uses to denote its experimental vehicles. The Spirit of Ecstasy is made of Makrolon polycarbonate and is illuminated by blue LED light. The fuel filler cap features a glass window, allowing one to see the five-pin socket used to charge the 102EX. The interior and luggage compartment use "Corinova" leather. This is a type of leather that is vegetable tanned, as opposed to chrome tanned like ordinary Phantom leather.

Reception

The Phantom was well-received by automotive journalists. Reviewers praised the exceptional refinement afforded by the 102EX's quiet powertrain, while some also felt that ride quality had been improved over the standard Phantom. Rolls-Royce revealed in 2012 that customer reaction to the 102EX had been lukewarm. While the 102EX's refinement had been praised, customers took issue with the car's limited range and long charging times. Some also felt that the absence of a V12 detracted from the car's specialness.

Notes

References

External links

Electric Cars
Rolls-Royce website
"Driving the electric Rolls-Royce"
''BBC News'', 1 April 2011

(Rolls-Royce press release), 1 March 2011 {{DEFAULTSORT:Rolls-Royce 102ex 102EX Concept cars

Specifications

Reception

See also

Notes

References

External links