Potential Buyers Cool to Rolls-Royce Electric Phantom, Hybrid Possible

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The electric vehicle craze has taken the automotive industry by storm, and after having gained so much popularity, it comes as no surprise when automakers announce an EV will debut in the lineup. Rolls-Royce has been experimenting with the idea, introducing a concept electric Phantom at the Geneva auto show earlier this year, followed by a global tour.

Those who had a chance of viewing the electric Phantom could see it wasn't any ordinary Phantom: theSpirit of Ecstasy illuminated in blue LED light and an Atlantic Chrome paint emitted a blue-ish glow. A massive 71-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, capable of doling out 850 amperes at 338, was arranged in such a way that it takes on the shape of an engine and transmission.

Owners and enthusiasts were allowed to test drive the electric Phantom 102EX or EE (experimental electric), but after all was said and done, the company found spectators were not too thrilled on the idea. Although a pure EV model may or may not ultimately make it to the showroom, the concept does bring up the possibility of a hybrid model at some point.

In an interview withAutomotive News, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said he thinks the electrically charged Phantom wasn't a big hit because most Rolls-Royce buyers often live in the outskirts of major cities, making an electric vehicle with a 100-mile range an impractical choice.

"Let's wait and see what our customers are telling us, but hybrids have a certain capability to deliver both electric driving combined with a normal combustion engine, and that might be a solution," he said.

Are you surprised with the reaction the electric Phantom got? Do you think a hybrid is a better idea for this ultra- luxury brand?

Source: Automotive News (subscription required)

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