Aston Martin is preparing for its electric future through a strategic partnership with American EV manufacturer Lucid, securing access to advanced electric motors and battery technology, the company said.
While its first fully electric vehicle (EV) is expected later this decade, Aston Martin is exploring ways to retain its distinct driving character in an EV format. Speaking to CarBuzz during Monterey Car Week, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman discussed potential features such as simulated gear changes and sound profiles reminiscent of internal combustion engines.
“If it is a benefit to the driving performance capability of our cars, and therefore it is authentic and real, and we can use a system that allows the driver to have more emotion about driving, then yes,” Reichman said. He emphasized that such systems must feel authentic: “If it is something that is purely artificial, then no. Because an Aston Martin is true; it’s authentic.”
Currently, Aston Martin is focused on the launch of its first plug-in hybrid, the mid-engined Valhalla, a limited-run model designed to compete with high-performance vehicles in its segment. The company indicated that this model will likely be the last all-new internal combustion-based vehicle before introducing a fully electric model.
Aston Martin has not confirmed whether its first EV will be a sports car, supercar, or crossover, but it is exploring multiple options for positioning in the high-performance EV market. The company aims to combine Lucid’s EV technology with its own engineering expertise to deliver a driving experience consistent with its brand values.