Rolls-Royce has been making cars since 1904. Also, the name Rolls-Royce has become synonymous with luxury as the company has some of the most impressive vehicles known to humankind. The British luxury marque is known not only for its stunning rides, but also for its utterly forward-thinking approach to building said rides. However, as cutting edge of a company as Rolls-Royce is, it hasn't delved into one all-important aspect of the automotive market.
Nowadays, practically every automaker has entered the electric race. However, despite being one of the most well-regarded luxury car makers, Rolls-Royce does not have an EV. On the surface, it seems the company is late to the game. However, Rolls-Royce has its plans, much like industry giants such as General Motors. Enter the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the company’s very first electric car.
While much isn't known about the upcoming debut EV from Rolls-Royce, it is however public knowledge that the company is taking every step possible to continue its legacy through this effort. This becomes even more true when it’s considered that the Spectre is the not-so-direct replacement for the beloved Wraith, as it would now be the company’s new coupe.
What We Know So Far About The Rolls-Royce Spectre
There isn’t much known about the Spectre, but luckily Rolls-Royce has released a few key details. For one, the automaker has confirmed that the Spectre will be released sometime in 2023, having revealed the car to the world in 2021. One of the other main details known about the upcoming vehicle is that the company is conducting extensive tests to ensure the quality of the Spectre. While it always goes the extra mile to guarantee customer satisfaction, Rolls-Royce has also stated that the "Spectre will embark on the most demanding testing programme ever conceived by the marque.” As part of the rigorous testing, the car is embarking on a simulation of over 400 years of use. This simulation equates to 2.5 million kilometers, according to the automaker.
Some may wonder why the company is taking more time than usual to test the Spectre. The main reason is the perceived unreliability of electric cars. Sure, the reputation is improving, but many people still have their doubts. Due to this, Rolls-Royce wants to ensure its first EV is done right and lives up to the company's name. Ensuring the quality of the Spectre is also crucial because Rolls-Royce has announced plans to go all-electric by 2030, which means it’s vital that the company’s first fully electric option is a slam dunk in every sense of the word.
It makes perfect sense for a company like Rolls-Royce to go all-electric. First, of course, because of the industry's natural progression, but also because this was a goal of Charles Rolls, one of the company's founding fathers. He said over a century ago, “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable – at least for many years to come”(via Rolls-Royce).
The Spectre Won't Be Built With Focus On Range
Another known detail about the upcoming Rolls-Royce Spectre is that the company is not focusing on the range. This sounds odd at first, considering that one of the advantages of owning an EV is that it is more efficient. However, it must be remembered that this is not only a luxury car company but one of the most expensive automakers in this category of vehicles.
Therefore, Rolls-Royce wants to design its own version of an EV, which is a car that elevates the experience of its cars beyond their already high level of luxury. The other thing is that most people who can afford to drop $400,000 on a vehicle don’t particularly care about range and would more than likely have no financial problem installing home charging stations.
However, this lack of focus on the range does not automatically mean the car will be deficient in this area. It means the company is not making decisions about the vehicle with that aspect in mind. The company realizes that it’s inconsequential to its customer base and can design the car in a way that won’t lessen the Rolls-Royce experience.
The Spectre Is Sure To Be A Hit
When a company is entering a new section of the auto world, one of the best things it can do is to ensure it delivers the best product possible. The various tests conducted by Rolls-Royce mean the Spectre will be a massive hit for the company. Not only because it will ensure that the product is good but also because it makes its customer base trust the car before it even goes on sale.
The Spectre has been spotted during these tests. This level of visibility and determination from a company could even pull in customers who would usually buy from rivals of Rolls-Royce. In other words, the simulated 400 years of use is more than just quality checks; it’s also preproduction marketing.
While nothing is known about the price tag of this upcoming ride from Rolls-Royce, we can guarantee it will be well over $250,000 based on the prices of other cars from the company. Since 2023 is right around the corner, we fully expect some more concrete details regarding the Rolls-Royce Spectre soon.