Rolls Royce Considers and Electric Car

How can Rolls-Royce best avoid the gas-guzzler tax associated with its Phantom range? The answer may be easier than it seems: craft one that doesn't run on gasoline at all. In fact, the firm isn't looking at alternative fuels but, in fact, an electric car. Britain's Car Magazine, having sat down with the top brass at the luxury car maker, says such an idea is actually under consideration. As countries continue to impose increasingly stringent CO2 laws, an electric Phantom may be necessary. Tom Purves, Rolls-Royce's CEO, told Car that a day may come where "[Rolls-Royce] may need an electric car merely to sell in certain parts of the world." But would the shocking idea of an eco-Roller go down well with customers? Purves thinks so, telling Car that many customers "drive small mileages exclusively in the city." If that weren't enough, the silent operation and strong torque long touted by the company would only be more evident in an electric version. Purves says there are no firm plans as of yet, but imagines such a vehicle could be a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and its German parent, BMW - a relationship not unlike that which bore the 2009 Mini E. Source: Car Magazine