We can expect the first electric Rolls-Royce to be revealed in 2023, but this is not the first time the brand has shown an interest in alternate power.

Sir Henry Royce was interested in everything electrified and before getting into cars, his first company F.H. Royce and Company sold dynamos, electric crane motors and held the patent for the bayonet-style light bulb. In April 1900 Charles Rolls had a go in a very early electric car called the Columbia and “declared its electric drive to be ideal”. When the two merged to form what’s arguably the most luxurious car brand in the world, electric power was put on the backburner.

With the electric Rolls-Royce 102EX concept from 2011, the brand indicated it would be investigating electrification. On paper at least, this concept looked fascinating. With a range of just 200 km with dual motors, it was never going to be feasible. The 2016 103EX electric Rolls-Royce concept looked wild and underlined the brand’s attitude towards going green.

Now, we see the first real step forward with these teaser images. This is the electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, which looks to be a similar shape and size to the current Wraith. Interestingly, it will not be based on a BMW platform like the current Wraith but rather use Rolls-Royce’s Architecture of Luxury which currently forms the base of the Ghost and Phantom.

There are very few details, like projected range and estimated performance figures, but the brand did say its electric Rolls-Royce will be undergoing 2.5 million km in testing, which is more than any other product in its portfolio.

The Goodwood-based brand said the new Spectre will be at the forefront of the electric Rolls-Royce revolution and will make its production debut in 2023.

Given the general size of its products and needs of its ultra-high net worth clientele, Rolls-Royce will no doubt be considering a large battery pack to offer a substantial range. With high-end electric cars offering ranges of around 450 km, Rolls-Royce will have to trump that without compromising on its prestige.

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