Rolls-Royce's ultra-exclusive EV begins global testing

Rolls-Royce has begun global testing of its limited-run Project Nightingale, with prototypes set to undergo 350 collective weeks of testing before customer deliveries begin in 2028.

The two-door electric convertible was revealed in April as the first model in Rolls-Royce's Coachbuild Collection, with production limited to 100 examples worldwide.

The company says the testing program will take place across a range of environments, including locations from Southern Europe to the Arctic Circle and the Arabian Peninsula. Prototypes will be exposed to different temperatures and altitudes of up to 2750 metres.

Rolls-Royce says the on-road testing follows more than 1430 hours of aerodynamic modelling, including digital simulations and wind-tunnel testing.

The car will subsequently be tested at a private high-speed facility at speeds of up to 249km/h, with engineers assessing aerodynamic performance and wind noise.

Project Nightingale's electric drivetrain is being used in combination with a bespoke convertible roof. The roof incorporates sound-deadening material made from cashmere, fabric and composite materials, and will undergo 10 separate tests at temperatures of up to 80°C.

A powered wind deflector will also be tested at different speeds to reduce turbulence inside the cabin when the roof is lowered.

One of the more unusual durability tests will focus on the car's sideways-opening 'Piano Boot'. The mechanism will be opened and closed up to 15,000 times to assess its durability.

Rolls-Royce has not yet released full powertrain specifications for Project Nightingale. The company has confirmed it uses a fully electric drivetrain but says further engineering details will be released as development progresses.

The car measures 5.76 metres long, making it almost as long as the Phantom despite having only two seats. It uses Rolls-Royce's aluminium Architecture of Luxury spaceframe and has 24-inch wheels – the largest fitted to a Rolls-Royce.

The April reveal also confirmed Project Nightingale would be produced by hand at Rolls-Royce's Goodwood facility, with each of the 100 examples individually specified with its buyer.

Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin from 2028.

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