Rolls-Royce’s electric Spectre testing in French Riviera

As part of the 2.5m km testing, the Spectre is being driving around Côte d’Azur. Photo: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor’s first electric vehicle, the Spectre, is undergoing its second phase of testing in one of the aptest parts of the world, the French Riviera region of Southern France.

The British brand is 40 percent through a 2.5 million km testing programme for the Spectre, with it currently being tested at Autodrome de Miramas facility and on Côte d’Azur roads, in France.

Developments in marque’s architecture make Spectre the stiffest Rolls-Royce ever plus the most aerodynamic.

“It is no exaggeration to state that Spectre is the most anticipated Rolls-Royce ever,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“Free from the restrictions connected to the internal combustion engine, our battery-electric vehicle will offer the purest expression of the Rolls-Royce experience in the marque’s 118-year history.

“This latest testing phase proves a suite of advanced technologies that underpin a symbolic shift for Rolls-Royce as it progresses towards a bright, bold, all-electric future. This will secure the ongoing relevance of our brand for generations to come.”

In 2011, Rolls-Royce showcased a fully electric Experimental Phantom concept named 102EX. This was followed by 103EX, a dramatic design study that anticipated a bold electric future for the marque. 

These experimental cars prompted significant interest from Rolls-Royce clients, who felt that the characteristics of an electric powertrain would fit perfectly with the brand. 

Torsten Müller-Ötvös responded with a clear promise: Rolls-Royce will go electric, starting this decade, and by 2030 Rolls-Royce will be a fully electric motor car brand.

The Spectre will be launched in late 2023.