Rolls-Royce Motor Cars embarked on a groundbreaking journey with the 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), to investigate the feasibility of electric powertrains in the ultra-luxury segment. This initiative, unveiled in 2011, wasn’t about creating a production model but rather a working test bed to gather crucial feedback from Rolls-Royce clientele, enthusiasts, and the public. The aim was clear: to determine if an electric drivetrain could deliver the quintessential Rolls-Royce experience and align with a sustainable future for the brand.
As Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “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. The alternative drive-train we choose must deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience. It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future. That is why this project is so important.”
The 102EX represented a bold step, positioning Rolls-Royce as a pioneer in exploring zero-emission technology within the luxury automotive landscape. It underscored the brand’s commitment to innovation while upholding the unparalleled standards of luxury and performance expected from a Rolls-Royce.
Phantom Experimental Electric (EE): A Legacy of Innovation
Rolls-Royce has a rich history of experimental vehicles, dating back to the 1EX in 1919. These models serve as crucial platforms for testing and evaluating new technologies destined for future production cars. Unlike mere concept cars, Rolls-Royce experimental models are fully functional, drivable machines, crafted with real-world materials like wood, leather, and metal.
The Phantom EE project began with a standard Rolls-Royce Phantom, celebrated for its aluminum spaceframe, which provides both dynamic capability and a serene cabin environment. However, the conventional 6.75-liter V12 petrol engine and 6-speed gearbox were replaced with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack and twin electric motors situated on the rear sub-frame. These motors channeled power through a single-speed transmission with an integrated differential.
Each electric motor delivered 145kW, resulting in a combined peak output of 290kW and an impressive 800Nm of torque available across a broad range. While slightly less powerful than the standard Phantom’s 338kW, the electric powertrain offered significantly more torque than the petrol engine’s 720Nm, which peaked at 3,500rpm.
The battery pack, utilizing Nickel Cobalt Manganese chemistry, boasted a high energy density of approximately 230Wh/kg, crucial for achieving a viable driving range. Pre-launch assessments suggested a range of up to 200km for the Phantom EE. Performance figures included a 0-60mph acceleration time of under eight seconds, slightly slower than the standard Phantom’s 5.7 seconds, and a top speed limited to 160kph.
This marked the first application of battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology in the super-luxury GKL++ segment, with the battery pack believed to be the largest ever fitted to a passenger car at the time.
The core mission of the Phantom EE was to gather real-world feedback from Rolls-Royce owners on critical aspects such as range, performance, and charging infrastructure. Input collected from owners, media, stakeholders, and enthusiasts via the dedicated website www.electricluxury.com was instrumental in evaluating the suitability of battery electric technology for the future of Rolls-Royce.
Design Philosophy: Subtle Electrification
Ian Cameron, Chief Designer at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, explained the design approach: “It’s a credible design concept that perfectly complements the experimental nature of the car, exploring options in light, space and use of materials. Had we changed the overall aesthetic, the concept would have lost credibility; our audience would assume it was simply a styling exercise. The reality is that this is an experimental vehicle in its truest sense, challenging perceptions, emotions and values – as well as exploring alternative drive-train technology.”
The 102EX retained the iconic design elements of the Phantom, including hand craftsmanship, intricate detailing, the Pantheon grille, and the Spirit of Ecstasy. However, subtle design cues were introduced to signify its electric nature and experimental status, focusing on interior space, materials, trims, and illumination, all while maintaining its Rolls-Royce identity.
Atlantic Chrome Exterior: A Unique Finish
Creating a distinctive exterior finish for the Phantom EE was paramount. Designers sought a paint that would immediately signal its special nature without drastically altering the Phantom’s aesthetic. After extensive research, they discovered a highly reflective paint utilizing ceramic nano-particles. These particles, microscopic in size, mimicked the appearance of silver metal, offering exceptional reflectivity.
The application process was meticulous, requiring sixteen coats of paint, including four layers of Atlantic Chrome, and countless hours to achieve a flawless result. The Atlantic Chrome finish gave the Phantom EE a striking, almost liquid-like appearance, enhancing its sculpted lines and evolving character under varying light conditions.
Illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy: A Modern Icon
Coinciding with the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy in 2011, the Phantom EE featured an updated version of this iconic emblem. Crafted from Makrolon instead of stainless steel, and illuminated with blue LEDs, the Spirit of Ecstasy subtly hinted at the electric powertrain beneath. This illuminated figurehead complemented the website’s visual theme, further promoting the electric luxury debate online.
Interior Refinements: Electric Vehicle Insights
Inside the Phantom EE, Atlantic chrome accents echoed the exterior paint, creating a cohesive design. Dashboard dials maintained the classic Phantom architecture while incorporating modifications to display electric vehicle-specific information. Notably, the fuel gauge was replaced with a battery charge indicator.
The renowned power reserve dial, a signature feature in Phantom interiors, was reimagined for the electric era. It included a regeneration symbol, extending beyond the standard 100% mark, indicating the level of energy regeneration during vehicle deceleration.
Exterior Re-charging Point: Seamless Integration
The Phantom EE’s re-charging port replaced the traditional fuel filler, maintaining a discreet and elegant design. A clear window, displaying the RR logo and 102EX motif, concealed a five-pin socket. Tricolor LEDs around the window indicated the car’s charging status: blue during start-up, flashing blue during charging, green when fully charged, and red for potential faults.
Centre Console Detail: Charging Status at a Glance
The center console featured a dedicated charging and display unit beneath the armrest. A simple switch controlled charging, while an LED-illuminated battery image mirrored the exterior charging port’s color codes – blue for standard charge, pulsating blue for inductive charging, green for fully charged, and red for fault alerts.
Corinova Leather: A Sustainable Interior
Andrew Monachan, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars General Manager, Leathershop, highlighted the innovative leather treatment: “At Rolls-Royce we pride ourselves in producing an authentic and natural product for customers, the quality of which is second to none. Seton Corinova is an experimental vegetable-tanned leather that allows us to celebrate more of the curves, creases and other features that are part and parcel of the life of the animal. It’s a more sympathetic process that stretches our understanding of Rolls-Royce interior expectations. Owners’ reactions will prove fascinating during the tour.”
The Phantom EE showcased Corinova leather, an experimental vegetable-tanned leather. This natural tanning process, chrome-free and utilizing chestnut extract and Tara powder, resulted in a unique texture and appearance, emphasizing the natural characteristics of the hide. While most automotive leather undergoes chrome tanning for stability and uniform color, Corinova leather presented a more sustainable and distinctive alternative.
Available in earthy tones like chestnut and Quebracho Brown, Corinova leather also offered practical advantages, including reduced paint finish requirements and less waste, aligning with sustainable practices.
Interior Panels: Aluminised Foil Weave
Departing from traditional wood veneers, the Phantom EE’s interior panels featured an aluminized foil weave. This contemporary finish provided a striking contrast with the natural leather, challenging conventional Rolls-Royce interior aesthetics and exploring new design possibilities.
Battery Technology and Induction Charging
The Phantom EE’s battery pack, believed to be the largest passenger car battery globally at the time, boasted a 71kWh capacity and a peak current of 850A at 338V DC. Comprising NCM pouch cells, known for their high energy and power densities, the battery pack was meticulously assembled and tested.
For charging flexibility, the Phantom EE incorporated three 3kW chargers, enabling both single-phase (20 hours) and three-phase (8 hours) charging – a unique feature for a passenger car. Furthermore, it trialed inductive wireless charging technology, aiming to address concerns about charging infrastructure and cable clutter.
Induction charging involved a ground-based transfer pad and a receiver pad under the car. Power transfer occurred wirelessly through magnetic coupling, achieving around 90% efficiency. This technology offered convenience and hinted at the potential for widespread remote charging networks.
A Nod to the Founders: Electric Pioneers
Interestingly, Rolls-Royce’s founding fathers, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, had early connections to electric power. Henry Royce was an accomplished electrical engineer before venturing into car manufacturing, while Charles Rolls recognized the merits of electric vehicles, even while noting limitations in range and charging infrastructure over a century ago.
Charles Rolls once commented on the Columbia electric car in the Automobile Journal: “They are perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration and they should become very useful for town use when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for country use I do not anticipate they will be very serviceable – at least not for many years to come.”
The Phantom EE project revisited this historical context, exploring whether advancements in battery technology had overcome the challenges identified by Rolls’ founders, making electric powertrains a viable option for the 21st century.
Conclusion: Electric Luxury – Perfection or Compromise?
The Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Experimental Electric served as a crucial experiment, pushing boundaries and sparking debate. It aimed to answer a fundamental question: Could electric luxury deliver the uncompromising Rolls-Royce experience, or would it represent an unacceptable compromise? The feedback gathered from this pioneering project would pave the way for future decisions regarding alternative powertrains for the world’s most luxurious automobiles, ensuring Rolls-Royce remains at the pinnacle of automotive excellence while embracing a sustainable future. While the focus was on electric innovation, one could argue that the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail poured into the 102EX project embodies a kind of automotive “collagen,” the very essence that maintains the brand’s youthful vigor and timeless appeal in a changing world, even if not literally “Collagen Rolls Royce”.
Technical Specifications:
(As provided in the original article – included for completeness)
No of doors/seats 4 / 5 (optionally 4)
Vehicle length 5840 mm / 229.9 in
Vehicle width 1990 mm / 78.3 in
Vehicle height (unladen) 1638 mm / 64.5 in
Wheelbase 3570 mm / 140.6 in
Turning circle 13.8 m / 45.3 ft
Track, front 1687 mm / 66.4 in
Track, rear 1671 mm / 65.8 in
Width at shoulder height, front 1509 mm / 59.4 in
Width at shoulder height, rear 1431 mm / 56.3 in
Leg room, front 1028 mm / 40.5 in
Leg room, rear 1109 mm / 43.7 in
Head room, front 1051 mm / 41.4 in
Head room, rear 979 mm / 38.5 in
Boot volume (DIN) 460 ltr / 16.2 cu ft
Unladen weight (DIN) 2,720 kg
Gross vehicle weight 3,030 kg
Payload 300 kg
Axle load limit, front 1,473 kg
Axle load limit, rear 1,548 kg
Maximum power output 290 kW
Torque 800 Nm
Battery:
Chemistry NCM (Lithium-Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese-Oxide) li-ion
Number of cells 96 in pouch design
Capacity 71kWh
Battery pack weight 640 kg
Peak current 330 kW at 850 Amps
Charge time (est) 20 hours single phase / 8 hours three-phase
Transmission type Single speed 6:5:1 with integral differential
Steering type EHPS Rack and pinion, speed-sensitive variable-rate power assistance
Brakes
Front / diameter Ventilated disc / 374 mm / 14.7 in
Rear / diameter Ventilated disc / 370 mm / 14.6 in
Drag Cd 0.37
Drag Cd x A 1.041m2 / 11.2 ft2
Top speed 160 kph (governed)
Acceleration 0-60 mph Under 8 seconds
CO2 emissions Nil
Tyre, front Goodyear EMT 255/50 R21 106W
Tyre, rear Goodyear EMT 285/45 R21 109W
Wheels (21 in alloy)
Wheel size, front 8 in x 21 in
Wheel size, rear 9.5 in x 21 in
12V Battery capacity / installed position 90+70 Ah / boot
