Rolls Royce is a brand that represents the pinnacle of luxury motoring. The next chapter in the luxury automaker's history now begins as the brand just announced its very first all-electric model, the Spectre. The British marque has been experimenting with the idea of an EV for over a decade now, having built two concept cars previously.

While those cars were mere experimental vehicles that faced issues with charge times and range, RR has finally overcome those challenges and is now ready to bring their very first all-electric vehicle to market. Unlike some of its competitors, Rolls Royce is skipping the plugin hybrid phase altogether and is heading straight towards electrification.

The All-Electric Rolls Royce Spectre

Rolls Royce’s CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös had previously stated that the brand will go electric, starting this decade and in keeping with that promise, he announced the luxury automakers' very first all-electric vehicle, the Rolls Royce Spectre. In profile, the car looks exactly like the Rolls Royce Wraith. This car represents the first step towards the brand's electrification efforts, because come 2030, Rolls Royce will no longer be in the business of selling internal combustion-engined cars.

No specifications of the car were given. However, testing of the first all-electric Rolls Royce is now set to begin. The test cars will cover over 1.55 million miles during testing in every corner of the planet and in the most extreme conditions possible, simulating over 400 years of use. Mr.Ötvös adds that the cars will be out there as they cover these relentless test miles, while these motorcars are taken to their absolute limit.

Rolls Royce’s connection with the Electric Propulsion

While Rolls Royce Motor Cars are renowned for their V-12 engines, the brand has a strong heritage and legacy when it comes to electric propulsion. In fact, the brand's founding fathers, Sir Henry Royce and Charles Rolls, both had an affinity for an electric drive.


Over a century ago, Charles Rolls envisioned an electrified future for the automobile. In early 1900 he has his very first electric car experience on a vehicle named the Columbia, which was imported from the United States, after which he declared that an electric drive was ideal for motor cars. This was an era when there were a number of propulsion options used on motor cars ranging from gas, steam to electricity.

Sir Henry Royce meanwhile was fascinated with all things electric and in his very first venture, F.H Royce & Company, the man created electric crane motors, dynamos, and he patented the bayonet-style light bulb fitting.

Although Royce himself neither made nor sold an electric motor car, he went on to create internal combustion engines that certainly deliver the experience that you associate with an electric drivetrain, which is effortless performance, instant torque delivery or refinement in terms of a silent drive.

2011 Rolls Royce EE 102 EX

Fast forward a century, over a decade ago, back in 2011, Rolls knew that electrification of cars going forward was imminent and they took the plunge early on developing an electrified version of the Phantom. Dubbed the Phantom EE (Experimental Electric) or 102 EX, the car was a road-legal fully functional all-electric Phantom. It served as a prototype where Rolls wanted the Media, VIP’s and their clients to experience, their idea of electric propulsion.

The Phantom’s 6.75 Liter V-12 engine was replaced with a lithium Ion Battery pack. The subframe housed two electric motors sending drive to a single-speed transmission coupled to an integrated differential. The twin motors produce 375 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Although the EE drew critical acclaim for its phenomenal performance, you couldn’t take away from the fact that the car had a limited range, a long charge cycle, and its battery pack had a life span of just three years.

2016 Rolls Royce 103 EX Concept

Five years later, in 2016, Rolls Royce unveiled yet another innovative concept car which was truly unique, dubbed the Rolls Royce Vision Next 103EX concept. This bespoke machine was a coach-built beast and its design was nothing short of breathtaking. As with any Rolls Royce, this concept car, which was close to 20 feet long, undoubtedly had presence. It was built on an advanced lightweight platform and used a proprietary all-electric drivetrain.

It came as no surprise that the interior was crafted from the finest materials that were designed to look invoke the feeling of ultimate luxury with a Grand Sanctuary atmosphere. Despite its grand debut in London, the futuristic 103 EX was never meant to be a production car. It embarked on a worldwide tour, returning to Good Wood in 2019, which is home to Rolls Royce.

Conclusion

The Rolls Royce Spectre represents the fulfillment of a 100-year-old prophecy by Charles Rolls. While the earlier electric concepts from Rolls had their challenges, the Spectre finally overcomes them to begin a new era for the brans. In the spirit of the marque's founding figures, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continue to remain an electrification pioneer even today. 

The Spectre also draws on the characteristics that first drew those engineers to electric power in the first place. They are facets like instant torque, silent operation, and relentless power along with zero emissions. 

This innate and perfect suitability of electric propulsion underpins the brand’s commitment to delivering the first all-electric Rolls-Royce in the upcoming decade. In doing so, it draws upon its legacy and connection with electric power that even pre-dates the company itself.

Watch the entire presentation by Rolls Royce Below