LAHORE – You’ve seen wireless charging technology in the kitchen, you’ve even seen it in the bathroom. Now drivers will be able to enjoy it in the new experimental Rolls-Royce Phantom, too. First details of Rolls-Royce’s experimental electric car – complete with advanced electric toothbrush-style ‘wireless’ charging – have been released.
The pioneering Phantom – RR’s first ever electric vehicle – will be powered by the largest car battery in the world, roughly resembling the shape of the car’s original V12 engine and gearbox. Located under the long bonnet, the Phantom will have five modules of lithium ion cells weighing 640 kg – roughly equivalent to seven or eight adults – and with enough power to deliver a range of 125 miles. The batteries can be ‘quick charged’ in around eight hours or charged more slowly – leading to a longer battery life – over 20 hours.
Rolls-Royce, which unveiled the car at the Geneva Motor Show 2011 – says the battery pack will deliver prodigious amounts of power via two electric motors mounted on the rear sub-frame, and a single-speed transmission with integrated differential. The Phantom will have a top speed of 100mph and a 0-60mph time of less than eight seconds, compared with 5.7 seconds for the standard 6.75-litre V12 petrol version.
The jewel in the crown of ‘102EX’ however, is its wireless charging system. Simply by parking over special pads buried in the ground, Phantom drivers will be able to use a technology known as ‘induction charging’ – already seen in the home with some electric toothbrushes and kettles. It uses ‘magnetic coupling’ instead of a physical connection such as a cable.
Rolls-Royce says it will offer ‘greater convenience’ for owners and ‘hints at the potential for a network of remote charging facilities’. The system is around 90 per cent efficient, when measured from the mains supply to the actual battery. To ensure that the one-off car – also known as Phantom Experimental Electric (EE) – stands out and highlights its futuristic credentials, its Spirit of Ecstasy mascot will be bathed in a subtle blue light.
The exterior of the Phantom will be distinguished from other Rolls-Royces with ‘Atlantic Chrome’ – 16 coats of a highly reflective finish using ‘ceramic nano particles’ resembling silver paint. According to Rolls-Royce the special finish accentuates the car’s chiseled looks, giving a ‘wet’ impression. Atlantic Chrome will also appear on the dashboard dials, including a battery charge indicator – which replaces the fuel gauge – and a separate dial next to the speedometer, indicating how fast the batteries are recharging. As an option to wireless charging, the one-off Phantom also has a plug and five-pin socket taking the place of the normal fuel filler and there are three-colourerd LED lights in the see-through filler-flap cover, confirming the car’s charging status.
“Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars begins an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future”, said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten M
