A licence to charge: James Bond goes electric in new film
James Bond will be doing his bit for the environment in his next film – by driving an electric Aston Martin.
According to reports, Daniel Craig’s 007 will drive a limited-edition Aston Martin Rapide E worth £250,000 in Shatterhand, the latest instalment.
The Rapide E is the British manufacturer’s first ever electric model, and with just 155 in existence it should come as no surprise to movie-goers that Bond himself has one in the garage.
Bond has burned rubber in a variety of iconic motors over the years but this marks the first time the spy has driven anything other than a petrol or diesel-powered car on screen.
But for fans of electric cars, the sight of the secret agent getting behind the wheel of an environmentally-friendly motor couldn’t come soon enough.
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An insider on the film told The Sun the idea was spearheaded by director Jogi Fukunaga, who’s working closely with Aston Martin for the Rapide E’s big break.
The source added: “Everybody is afraid of Bond getting labelled 'too PC' but they all felt the time was right to put him in a zero-emission vehicle.”
The next Bond film, which some have speculated is a remake of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, is expected to hit cinema screens in 2020.
The film will see Craig reprise his role as Her Majesty’s secret agent for the fifth time, having first appeared as Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale.
Bond’s choice of vehicle will see the agent well-prepared for the UK’s move towards a fully electric future, with the government announcing its “Road to Zero” strategy in 2018.
The sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK will be banned from 2040 onwards, with a complete ban on the cars being on the road from 2050.
Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
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