The Aston Martin Rapide E is a 600bhp all-electric supercar

So it begins. This is Aston Martin’s very first all-electric, full production car, housed in the rather delightful form of the Rapide. So, meet the Aston Martin Rapide ‘E’.

Recognisably an Aston, then, but without the most recognisable thing of all – a socking great naturally aspirated, 6.0-litre V12. In its place sits a bespoke battery pack encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar, using more than 5,600 lithium-ion cells. Aston tells us there’s 800V and 65kWh in total.

Aston also tells us this 800V system, designed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, is better at charging and offers “greatly improved thermal characteristics” than other electrical systems.

We suspect you care less about the thermal characteristics, and more about the speed characteristics. A total of 601bhp and 700lb ft of torque is produced, which is quite a lot indeed. This is sent rearwards and rearwards only, to a pair of relectric motors recording some very intriguing times.

It’ll go from 0-60mph in under four seconds, go from 50-70mph in just 1.5secs, and top out at a clean 155mph. And, because of that fancy new battery, Aston says the Rapide E “will deliver its performance in a consistent and repeatable way as would be expected from a traditional Aston Martin”. So much so, it reckons a full lap of the Nürburgring is possible “with no performance derating”.

So a full range of 200 miles is estimated on the WLTP cycle, and it can recharge at 185 miles each hour with a 50kW charger, or 310 miles each hour using 100kW or more.

Naturally, there are modes – GT, Sport, and Sport+ - and alongside those rear motors sits a limited-slip differential and revised spring and damper rates over the traditional, V12-engined Rapide. Other things? There’s a new honeycomb grille, a redesigned underfloor and a bigger rear diffuser. Plus forged aluminium wheels.

Oh, and wave goodbye to those analogue dials so beloved of many. In their place sits a 10in screen providing all the Informations you require of a spirited electric drive.

“As our first ever all-electric production car, it is truly a historic step,” explains Aston boss Andy Palmer. “One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future.

“As a car company, we cannot afford to passively allow that future to come to us. We have to actively chase it,” he added. Don’t forget, Aston has the Lagonda brand up its sleeve, which will be a fully electric, luxury car brand.

Just 155 Rapide Es will be built, and prices are on application. 'Lots', then.