By William Stolerman

Rolls-Royce has developed a one-off, fully electric powered Phantom, the 102EX, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The test vehicle will tour the world throughout 2011, gathering research for Rolls-Royce as it furthers its understanding of green technologies.

“We have engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment,” said CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. “With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.”

The 102EX – also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE) – will be available to test drive on its world tour. This will give owners the chance to experience an alternative drive-train, while Rolls-Royce will benefit from the drivers’ feedback.

“I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience,” explained Müller-Ötvös. “It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future.”

In preparation for the Geneva debut and to fuel wider debate on electric luxury cars, Rolls-Royce has launched the website, electricluxury. The site will also deliver regular updates of the car’s progress while on tour.

Full technical specifications for the 102EX, as well as images and b-roll will be published at on March 1.

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com