Rolls-Royce has launched its first-ever electric vehicle, the Spectre, in India. Priced at a staggering $1 million (₹7.5 crore), the Spectre now holds the title of the most expensive electric vehicle available in the country. This launch represents a monumental shift for the British luxury carmaker and sets a new benchmark in India’s evolving electric vehicle market.
Currently, the most expensive gasoline car in India is the Bentley Mulsanne EWB Centenary Edition, priced at $2 million or ₹14.5 crore. This comparison highlights the rapidly growing presence and influence of electric vehicles in the luxury automotive sector, even as they begin to rival traditional gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of price and exclusivity.
Rolls-Royce’s venture into electric vehicles aligns with the company’s vision for a sustainable future, as outlined in their ambitious plan to electrify their entire fleet by 2030. The Spectre, a masterpiece of automotive engineering, was unveiled in Chennai, a major Indian metro city, marking a historic moment for the luxury car manufacturer.
The Spectre’s journey to this launch has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beginning its testing in September 2021, the vehicle endured extreme weather conditions, ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius, and covered a distance of 2.5 million kilometres. After a rigorous year of endurance testing following its global unveiling in October 2022, the Spectre finally made its debut in South India.
This ultra-luxurious electric coupe is not just a car; it’s a symbol of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation and luxury. The Spectre is the third-generation Goodwood-era Rolls-Royce car, handcrafted in the exclusive Goodwood facility in England. This is where Rolls-Royce’s iconic models, such as the Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan, were born, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
The Spectre stands out with its fully electric powertrain and sophisticated smart interface, heralding the beginning of a new era in super-luxury motoring, dubbed Rolls-Royce 3.0. Equipped with dual synchronous motors, the Spectre boasts impressive power and acceleration, going from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. Its 102 kWh lithium-ion battery ensures a range of 530 kilometres on a single charge, with a fast-charging capability that can recharge from 10-80% in approximately 34 minutes using a 195kW DC fast charger.
Moreover, the Spectre features innovative recuperative braking technology, allowing for a single-pedal drive mode, and is equipped with Rolls-Royce’s new ‘SPIRIT’ infotainment platform. This platform, coupled with the Whispers app, offers owners a unique and personalized interaction with their vehicle, setting a new standard in luxury car infotainment systems.
As the most expensive electric vehicle in India, the Rolls-Royce Spectre not only offers unparalleled luxury and performance but also signifies a major step towards an electric future, a vision that co-founder Charles Rolls foresaw over a century ago. The Spectre is more than just a car; it’s a statement of luxury, innovation, and sustainability, setting the stage for a new era in the automotive industry.
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