Lady LUX

Rolls Royce Motor Cars invited LadyLUX to experience its Phantom 102EX electric one-off concept car and Phantom “Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary” car at the LA Auto Show press preview day. As the vehicle is 100-percent powered by electricity, the 102EX’s engine has been replaced with a set of special “Nickel Cobalt Manganese” batteries and two electric motors, mounted next to the rear wheels.

First we drove the special Phantom “Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary” edition, one of 100 vehicles produced by Rolls Royce with the standard V12 petrol motor. This test spin allowed us to compare the petrol motor-powered version to the electric Phantom. The Centenary edition is decorated with a tan leather interior, black Rolls Royce plaques with white lettering and pure-silver accents both inside and out.

Driving the 102EX was an eerily quiet experience. We could easily carry on conversations between the front and back seats, which is not always possible in a traditional sedan. The acceleration was similar to the original Phantom, if not identical, and drivers would be hard-pressed to notice the difference while motoring around town.

The car is classified as “ultraluxury.” When vehicles are valued at more than a quarter-million dollars, the manufacturers create one-of-a-kind luxury features and proper appointments, such as a chilled container in the rear for champagne or a near infinite amount of color choices for the exterior paint, leather stains and wood veneer finishes.

Quite possibly the Phantom 102EX’s best “ultraluxury” feature is the unique electric charging system. When the car is parked over special charging plates, the engine wirelessly transfers electricity from the home's power to the car’s batteries. Unlike every other electric car on the market, it doesn't require a power cable that constantly needs to be plugged in and then removed. The car is simply driven to and from the garage and parked over the wireless electric charging plates. Imagine getting into your car every day and having the gas tank full without worrying about visiting the gas station. That future of worry-free powering may be imminent.

The Rolls Royce Phantom is the most premier luxury sedan produced. The car retails for $380,000 for a standard configuration, plus any bespoke treatments. Designed to provide unparalleled comfort for the driver and passengers, the Phantom features an ultra quiet interior cabin, effortless power from its V12 engine and a handmade interior crafted with the finest leather, pure silver and other natural luxury elements.

After experiencing the Phantom, we could easily envision this “ultraluxury” vehicle in the homes of multimillionaires who demand the finest craftsmanship in their vehicles and desire a new “green” way to eliminate their dependence on gasoline. If we were in the position to purchase this vehicle, it would likely become a favorite choice to effortlessly whisk to our special occasions. Not to mention, of course, the environmental benefit of relying on renewable energy.