Aston Martin and Chinese technology company LeEco recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) towards the creation of a partnership that will develop a production version of the Aston Martin RapidE electric vehicle concept.
The partnership will see the two companies working together in developing and manufacturing RapidE, with potential for adding a range of next-generation connected electric vehicles on behalf of Aston Martin, LeEco and Faraday Future.
Both companies are planning to bring the RapidE into market in 2018 utilising the best technologies from the companies’ portfolios.
Rumors suggest the all-wheel drive electric vehicle could be shockingly powerful with between 800 and 1,000 horsepower and could drive up to 320 km on a single-charge. However, the British company might produce only a few hundred RapidE’s per year carrying a price tag between $200,000 and $250,000 (RM835,000 – RM1,040,000), which would make it a niche product for the boutique brand.
Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Mr. Ding Lei, co-founder and global vice chairman of SEE Plan, said, “Signing of this MOU ushers a new phase of the collaborations between Aston Martin and LeEco. LeEco’s SEE Plan is dedicated to build electric, smart, connected and socialized cars. We have been targeting the highest standard in the auto industry in terms of design, R&D and manufacturing of our electric cars. We hope that, by strengthening collaborations with Aston Martin, our future models will provide premium qualities and delicate arts and crafts as good as those of Aston Martin.”
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said, “Aston Martin are dedicated to developing a range of cars with low emission technologies. We have been encouraged by the project speed and technical depth shown by Letv in the development of the RapidE concept towards full production. Bringing the RapidE to market by 2018 is an important milestone for both companies. ”
