Rolls-Royce 102EX
The Rolls-Royce 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), is a one-off electric prototype version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII. It was created by Rolls-Royce to gauge the response of customers and other stakeholders to an electric Rolls-Royce.
The 102EX was revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.[1]
Specifications
The 102EX is powered by two UQM-supplied[2] synchronous permanent-magnet electric motors mounted on the rear sub-frame.[3] Each of these motors are power rated to 145 kW for a maximum system output of 290 kW (389 hp).[1] Maximum torque output is 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft).[1] Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a 1-speed Xtrac transmission with integrated differential.[4]
These motors are fed by a 71 kWh battery pack which is composed of 96 NCM[note 1] cells.[1] 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).[1] The cells were manufactured by Dow Kokam,[5][6] which Scottish firm Axeon assembled into a battery pack.[5] Electric drivetrain integration was carried out by Lotus Engineering.[7]
The battery pack is charged by 3 separate 3 kW charger units which allow for a minimum charging time of approximately 8 hours.[1] Alternatively, the Phantom is also fitted with an induction charger which allows the car to be charged wirelessly.[1]
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.[1] It is fitted with red "double-R" badges, which Rolls-Royce uses to denote its experimental vehicles.[1] The Spirit of Ecstasy is made of Makrolon polycarbonate and is illuminated by blue LED light.[1] 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.[3][4][5][8][9][10][11] 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.[12][13][14] While the 102EX's refinement had been praised, customers took issue with the car's limited range and long charging times.[12][13] Some also felt that the absence of a V12 detracted from the car's specialness.[13]
See also
Notes
- ↑ NCM 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
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "102EX - Phantom Experimental Electric Press Kit". Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub. 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2017-11-20.
- ↑ "Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Phantom Powered by UQM® PowerPhase® Propulsion Systems". Business Wire. 2011-03-04. Retrieved 2017-12-23.
- 1 2 Holloway, Hilton (2011-03-23). "Rolls-Royce Phantom 102EX". Autocar. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- 1 2 Simister, John (2011-03-31). "Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom review". Evo UK. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- 1 2 3 Sherman, Don (April 2011). "Rolls-Royce Phantom Experimental Electric / 102EX". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- ↑ English, Andrew (2011-04-04). "Rolls-Royce 102EX review". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
- ↑ Gluckman, David (2011-03-04). "Lotus Engineering Works with Rolls-Royce on Electric Phantom, Introduces Drop-In Range Extenders". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2017-12-23.
- ↑ Oliver, Ben (2011-04-01). "First Drive: Rolls-Royce 102EX". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- ↑ Lieberman, Jonny. "First Drive: Rolls-Royce 102EX". Motor Trend Canada. Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- ↑ Oliver, Ben (2011-06-17). "Rolls-Royce 102 EX (2011) CAR first drive review". Car Magazine (UK). Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- ↑ Simister, John (2011-04-02). "Rolls-Royce Phantom (102EX)". The Independent (UK). Retrieved 2017-11-24.
- 1 2 Meiners, Jens (2012-03-12). "Rolls-Royce CEO: Electric 102EX is Dead, No SUV, Ghost Variations Likely Coming Soon". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
- 1 2 3 Liebermann, Jonny (2012-05-21). "The electric Rolls-Royce is dead". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2017-11-25.
- ↑ Siler, Steve (2011-06-16). "Rolls-Royce customers apparently not too charged about electric Roller". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2017-11-26.
External links
- Electric Cars, Rolls-Royce website
- "Driving the electric Rolls-Royce", BBC News, 1 April 2011
- 102EX – Phantom Experimental Electric Press Kit (Rolls-Royce press release), 1 March 2011