Rolls-Royce Phantom Experimental Electric

Rolls-Royce Phantom Experimental Electric / 102EX - Prototype Drive

As far from the Nissan Leaf as electric motoring has ventured

A battery-powered Rolls-Royce is the answer to a question no one asked. When a car Rolls code-named 102EX surfaced at last month’s Geneva auto show, skepticism reigned. Offered an opportunity to experience this radical alternative to V-12 propulsion, we took the bait in spite of the fact that our drive was scheduled for April Fools’ Day—the ideal moment for jokes and hoaxes, even in England.
I quickly learned that 102EX—a.k.a. the Phantom Experimental Electric—is no hoax. And that the motivation for building this one-off did not bubble up from owner discontent. To the contrary, the highly opinionated captains of the universe who buy Rolls-Royces are smitten with their V-12s and they’d prefer that the factory leave them alone. But last year a harsh reality rattled this illustrious brand’s board of directors: V-12 engines are not sustainable.

Without knowing whether the end would come from environmentalist outcry, government legislation, or mega-city mayors bent on purging internal combustion from clogged streets, Rolls-Royce’s top management realized that the end of large displacement, gas-guzzling, dozen-cylinder engines would eventually arrive. Instead of waiting for doom to descend, the board authorized an engineering team headed by David Monks to conjure up a sensible alternative to the V-12–powered Ghosts and Phantoms delivered last year to 2700 well-heeled customers.
Monks and Rolls-Royce chief engineer Andrew Martin acknowledge that it was not their intention to reinvent the electric car. They simply gathered proven electrical components and assembled them into a donor left-hand-drive Phantom sedan with minimal disturbance to the production blueprints. With help from Lotus Engineering (instead of parent BMW), a battery pack and electrical controllers were configured to fit where the 6.7-liter V-12 and six-speed ZF automatic normally live. In the space vacated by the fuel tank, a pair of AC motors was installed along with a single-speed transmission to energize the rear wheels. No trunk space was lost and the increase in curb weight was reasonably modest—at least in the context of a nearly three-ton automobile—at around 400 pounds.

Global Collaboration on Genteel Electrification
Delving deeper into the bill of materials, I learned that Dow Kokam manufactured the 96 prismatic lithium-ion battery cells in Korea and the Scottish firm Axeon assembled them into a 1411-pound, 338-volt pack which provides a 71-kWh energy capacity and a claimed 124 miles of range. (For reference, a Nissan Leaf’s pack holds 24 kWh.) Colorado-based UQM supplied the synchronous permanent-magnet motors delivering a combined 389 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque to the XTrac transaxle. Another American firm—Seton—provided the experimental vegetable-tanned leather trim for the 102EX’s seats, instrument panel, doors, and floor surfaces.
During my 30-minute taste test on rural roads near the Goodwood, West Sussex, England, factory, the electric propulsion system performed every task asked of it with immaculate composure. Like the standard V-12 edition, the Phantom EE accelerated from rest with the fluid grace of a summer breeze. Under sustained thrust, there was an occasional hint of dynamo hum but, for the most part, the drivetrain dialogue was overwhelmed by the hiss of tires on pavement and the whoosh of air flowing past the side windows. According to Rolls-Royce measurements, acceleration is somewhat less forceful than with pistons—“under eight seconds” to 60 mph versus their 5.7-second claim for the conventional car. According to the company, this is roughly equivalent to ferrying an extra passenger or two in the V-12 model.
One instance where the electric challenger clearly beats the incumbent is in a passing maneuver. With a dozen cylinders to rouse and six gears to shuffle, there’s a moment’s hesitation and a slight hitch when the standard Phantom changes down to gather speed in response to a prod of the gas pedal. It’s smooth, but not the seamless surge forward that occurs when the electric’s accelerator is floored.
Two levels of regeneration are offered. In the normal setting, it’s barely noticeable. In the setting labeled “low,” lifting off the accelerator provides deceleration roughly equivalent to engine braking. Asked for feedback related to this feature, my suggestion was to offer much more regen—to facilitate true one-pedal driving during most conditions—controlled in a continuously variable manner by a rotary knob instead of a two-position switch.
The electric motors respond with impressive enthusiasm from a stoplight because of their ability to deliver maximum torque at minimal rpm. Considering the smoothness, operational silence, and overall poise engineered into this experimental model, any existing Rolls-Royce owner would have to be extremely cranky to find something to not like. From a purely functional standpoint, this electric Roller is ready for prime time.
Experimental Inside, Too

While they were at it, Rolls-Royce management took this opportunity to experiment with a few deviations from their normal luxurious interior trim. The experimental Corinova leather is more natural—both the processes used in its manufacture and in its appearance. This trim looks and feels like traditional hides, still exhibiting actual animal creases, a nice grain, and an endearing touch. It’s also tough enough to serve as floor covering, though not without sustaining scuff marks in areas not fitted with lamb’s wool throw rugs.
In lieu of classic wood paneling, the Phantom EE is fitted with casings made of aluminized woven glass strands. They look like bleached-white carbon fiber. To provide an appropriate contrast, flat areas are trimmed in a machined-texture aluminum foil material. The net result is probably too cold and technical looking for this clientele, but give Rolls credit for venturing down alternative avenues.
Exterior deviations are quite minimal. Naturally, there are no exhaust pipes. To highlight the lack of a gas cap, the filler flap is transparent, showcasing the charging connection socket and the LEDs that glow blue during charging, green when the battery is replenished, and red if some electrical issue arises. In the event a non-contact inductive charging method is used, a successful connection is indicated with a violet LED. A second set of indicators is located on the center console. The recharge ritual takes up to eight hours on 220 volts or up to 20 hours on 110 volts.

Two other custom touches are Atlantic Chrome paint accented with cermamic (yes that’s spelled correctly) nano particles—claimed to be 1000 times smaller than normal metallic additives—that give the pale blue-green finish a deeper luster. A composite-plastic (Makrolon) Spirit of Ecstasy has an LED lamp in its base to impart a soft blue glow throughout the figurine. Unfortunately, in daylight, illumination is only visible to about thigh-high on the flying lady; it’s not until nightfall that the blue hue fills her wingtips. This alternative to a pewter-look Spirit of Ecstasy (which actually is a stainless-steel investment casting) has been available as a Phantom option with few takers so far.
While I give Rolls engineers top marks for the refinement they tuned into the Phantom EE, constructing a single experimental electric is the easy part. The hard work lies ahead. Step one is sharing this car with the brand’s owner family on a global exposure tour that will run from May through November. Step two is engineering some sort of V-12 alternative for the future, and step three is providing a traditionally high level of customer support if and when that car hits the market.
With any pure electric, there are daunting “What ifs?” to contemplate. Such as the scope of roadside assistance needed to rescue owners stranded by a flat battery. Or what to do when the electrical grid takes an unscheduled day off. Factoring in an ill-mannered combustion engine for range extension is not an option here. Instead, the Rolls-grade alternative would have to be a truly elegant solution, such as a miniature fuel cell fueled by an emergency canister of pressurized nitrogen.
Nobody said the trip to the future would be as easy as a blissful jaunt in a current Rolls-Royce costing a king’s ransom.
Top Competitors
* Aston Martin Rapide
* Bentley Mulsanne
* Maserati Quattroporte
* Maybach 62
* Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
Base Price: $385,000 - $455,000

4-Door Rear Wheel Drive Car, 453 bhp, 531 lb-ft, 6-sp Automatic, 11/18 mpg
5 passengers, 5625 lb, 6.7-liter, 12-cylinder engine, 12.4 lb/bhp
SPECIFICATIONS
Brakes
Brake Type Pwr
Brake ABS System 4-wheel
Brake ABS System (Second Line) N/A
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 14.7 x -TBD- in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness 14.6 x -TBD- in
Cargo Area Dimensions
Trunk Volume 14.1 ft³
Cooling System
Total Cooling System Capacity 14.8 qts
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) N/A
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 2 @ 180
Engine
Engine Type Gas V12
Displacement 6.7L/412
Fuel System DI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 453 @ 5350
SAE Net Torque @ RPM 531 @ 3500
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase 140.6 in
Length, Overall 229.7 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors 78.3 in
Height, Overall 64.3 in
Track Width, Front 66.3 in
Track Width, Rear 65.7 in
Min Ground Clearance N/A in
Liftover Height N/A in
Fuel Tank
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx 26.4 gal
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx N/A gal
Interior Dimensions
Passenger Capacity 5
Passenger Volume 103 ft³
Front Head Room 40.2 in
Front Leg Room 40.5 in
Front Shoulder Room 59.4 in
Front Hip Room N/A in
Second Head Room 38.5 in
Second Leg Room 37.3 in
Second Shoulder Room 56.3 in
Second Hip Room N/A in
Mileage
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy 18 MPG
Cruising Range - City 290.40 mi
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City 11 MPG
Fuel Economy Est-Combined 14 MPG
Cruising Range - Hwy 475.20 mi
Steering
Steering Type Pwr Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall N/A
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) N/A
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb 45.3 ft
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall N/A ft
Suspension
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) Double Wishbone
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) Multi-Link
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front N/A mm
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear N/A mm
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front N/A in
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear N/A in
Tires
Front Tire Size 265/45VR21
Rear Tire Size 265/45VR21
Trailering
Transmission
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Trans Type 6
Trans Description Cont. Automatic w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.17
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.34
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 1.52
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.14
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.87
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.69
Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.40
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.46
Vehicle
EPA Classification Compact
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score 1
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight 5622 lbs
Wheels
Front Wheel Size 21 x 8 in
Rear Wheel Size 21 x 9.5 in
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum
FEATUre
ENTERTAINMENT
Harman/kardon AM/FM/CD stereo -inc: remote 6-disc CD changer, MP3 playback capability, radio data system, (15) speakers
DVD navigation system w/video monitor, voice & touchscreen controls
Rolls Royce Assist telematics service -inc: location-based automatic collision notification, direction services, emergency response, roadside assistance
Diversity antenna
EXTERIOR
P255/50VR21 front/285/48VR21 rear run-flat tires
21" x 8" front/21" x 9.5" rear aluminum wheels w/partial wheel covers
Body-color painted front/rear bumpers
Projector beam bi-xenon headlights -inc: time-off delay, auto-off, dusk sensor, headlight washers
Pwr-folding heated pwr-adjustable color-coded auto-dimming mirrors w/memory
Rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers w/heated washer jets
Pwr trunk pull down & release
INTERIOR
9-way pwr-adjustable heated front bucket seats -inc: adjustable lumbar, pwr adjustable head restraints, memory
Rear bench seat w/folding center armrest
Front floor console storage
Front/rear floor mats
Pwr adjustable leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel w/memory, audio controls
Instrumentation -inc: service interval indicator, external temp, clock, compass, low tire pressure indicator, trip computer
Front/rear parking distance sensors
Pwr windows w/front/rear 1-touch
Pwr locks
Keyless remote entry w/remote start
Cruise control
Anti-theft alarm system w/immobilizer, panic alarm
4-zone auto climate control -inc: rear seat controls, active carbon micro filter
Rear window defogger
Leather-wrapped dashboard w/wood instrument panel insert, leather/wood door panel insert, wood console insert
Hands-free telephone
Rear 12V auxiliary pwr outlet
Front/rear cigar lighters
Front/rear cup holders
Overhead console
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
Front/rear reading lights
Courtesy lights w/delay fade
MECHANICAL
6.7L DOHC DI 48-valve V12 engine
6-speed automatic transmission w/OD, steering column mounted shifter
Rear wheel drive
Front double wishbone suspension, rear multi-link suspension (2009)
Active self-leveling air suspension w/height-adjustable shock absorbers (2009)
Front/rear stabilizer bars (2009)
Speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering
Electronic brake distribution
PROCESSING-OTHER
**ALL STANDARDS ARE 2011**
** ORDERING INFORMATION IS 2011, OPTION & BASE PRICES TO FOLLOW **
SAFETY
Front/rear active head restraints
4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes w/assist
Stability control
Traction control
Daytime running lights
Front impact airbags w/occupant sensor
Front side-impact airbags w/occupant sensor
Front/rear side curtain airbags
Rear child safety door locks
3-point seat belts w/pretensioners for outboard seating positions
SAFETY & WARRANTY
Warranty
PRELIMINARY 2011 WARRANTY
Basic: 4 Years/Unlimited Miles 4 Years free service
Crash Test Ratings
Standard Safety Features
Projector beam bi-xenon headlights -inc: time-off delay, auto-off, dusk sensor, headlight washers
Pwr-folding heated pwr-adjustable color-coded auto-dimming mirrors w/memory
Pwr adjustable leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel w/memory, audio controls
Instrumentation -inc: service interval indicator, external temp, clock, compass, low tire pressure indicator, trip computer
Front/rear parking distance sensors
Front/rear active head restraints
4-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes w/assist
Stability control
Traction control
Daytime running lights
Front impact airbags w/occupant sensor
Front side-impact airbags w/occupant sensor
Front/rear side curtain airbags
Rear child safety door locks
3-point seat belts w/pretensioners for outboard seating positions
Optional Safety Features
FRONT & REAR CAMERA SYSTEM