Rolls Royce Phantom

Rolls Royce Phantom

Old-world charm, resolute styling and blue-blooded buyers may not be the first things one mentally associates with electric-powered cars, but Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves thinks the combination makes perfect sense. Instantaneous torque, quiet operation and urban propriety all work in favor of an electric Rolls.

According to a new report, Rolls-Royce could have an electric Phantom in time for the 2012 London Olympics where it could star as the highlight of BMW’s sponsorship for the global sporting event.

The idea is not so farfetched. Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves is a fan of the electric car, especially when talking instantaneous torque delivery and quietude. Such a car would also be helpful in offsetting CO2 emissions for Rolls-Royce to help meet tougher regulations coming into play in Europe, incidentally, also in 2012.

Insiders have revealed that development work is taking place but no working prototype has been built yet.

If given the green light, the electric Phantom would be produced in very small numbers and even then only leased to a handful of select customers around the globe. If an all-electric Rolls-Royce doesn’t tickle your fancy, however, the automaker is also reportedly working on a hybrid version of its new Ghost sedan, which you can read about by clicking here.

[Autocar]