ASTON Martin is drawing on the skills of Grove-based Williams Advanced Engineering as the luxury carmaker develops its first all-electric production model.

Just 155 RapidE sports cars will be built, with production set to start in 2019.

The RapidE is a key component of Aston’s Martin’s strategy of developing low – and zero-emission – vehicles to secure the long-term future of the business.

Williams Advanced Engineering worked on the original RapidE concept car, which was unveiled in 2015. The company, based in Station Road, just north of Grove, will assist Aston Martin with engineering integration for the production version.

The RapidE will be a four-door sports car, sharing the looks of Aston’s Rapide S model, but powered by an all-electric powertrain instead of a six-litre V12 petrol engine.

Paul McNamara, the technical director of Williams Advanced Engineering, said: “We have always endeavoured to work collaboratively with customers to meet their sustainability challenges and find energy-efficient solutions.

“For today’s car manufacturers, this is particularly important, as legislation demands more energy-efficient vehicles. This project with Aston Martin will draw on the extensive battery and electric vehicle experience we have accumulated.

“We are extremely pleased to be supporting this prestigious British company with their future electrification strategy.”

Aston Martin’s president and chief executive, Dr Andy Palmer, said: “RapidE will showcase Aston Martin’s vision, desire and capability to successfully embrace radical change.”