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 unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.[1]

Rolls-Royce 102EX
Rolls-Royce 102EX at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Overview
Also calledRolls-Royce Phantom Experimental Electric
Production2011 (prototype)
Powertrain
Electric motor290 kW (389 hp; 394 PS)
Battery71kWh, Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese Oxide
Electric range120 mi (193.1 km)

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

  1. ^ 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. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "102EX - Phantom Experimental Electric Press Kit". Rolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Phantom Powered by UQM® PowerPhase® Propulsion Systems". Business Wire. 4 March 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b Holloway, Hilton (23 March 2011). "Rolls-Royce Phantom 102EX". Autocar. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  4. ^ a b Simister, John (31 March 2011). "Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom review". Evo UK. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  5. ^ a b c Sherman, Don (April 2011). "Rolls-Royce Phantom Experimental Electric / 102EX". Car and Driver. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  6. ^ English, Andrew (4 April 2011). "Rolls-Royce 102EX review". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  7. ^ Gluckman, David (4 March 2011). "Lotus Engineering Works with Rolls-Royce on Electric Phantom, Introduces Drop-In Range Extenders". Car and Driver. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  8. ^ Oliver, Ben (1 April 2011). "First Drive: Rolls-Royce 102EX". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  9. ^ Lieberman, Jonny. "First Drive: Rolls-Royce 102EX". Motor Trend Canada. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  10. ^ Oliver, Ben (17 June 2011). "Rolls-Royce 102 EX (2011) CAR first drive review". Car Magazine (UK). Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  11. ^ Simister, John (2 April 2011). "Rolls-Royce Phantom (102EX)". The Independent (UK). Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  12. ^ a b Meiners, Jens (12 March 2012). "Rolls-Royce CEO: Electric 102EX is Dead, No SUV, Ghost Variations Likely Coming Soon". Car and Driver. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  13. ^ a b c Liebermann, Jonny (21 May 2012). "The electric Rolls-Royce is dead". Motor Trend. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  14. ^ Siler, Steve (16 June 2011). "Rolls-Royce customers apparently not too charged about electric Roller". Car and Driver. Retrieved 26 November 2017.