Alpine unveils electric A110 preview
The electric version of Alpine’s A110 sports car made its public debut last weekend, climbing the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on its new 800-volt platform.
From combustion to current
Alpine announced last fall that the next generation of the A110 would be fully electric. Production of the current model, built in Dieppe, has already ended. The replacement, called the A110 Future, is the brand’s first drivable electric prototype.
This transition reflects more than just a change in powertrain. Since its 2017 relaunch, the two-seater has prioritized lightweight construction, agility, and driving engagement. Amaury Marzloff, managing director of Alpine Germany, stated in May that the electric A110 is a key part of the brand’s strategy moving forward.
Platform and powertrain
The A110 Future uses the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), a modular architecture designed for high-performance electric vehicles. While the Goodwood prototype is a two-seater coupé, the platform can accommodate different body styles and drivetrain configurations.
Two electric motors power the rear axle. Alpine describes them as 3-in-1 units, integrating the motor, inverter, and gearbox. The inverters rely on 800-volt silicon carbide technology, paired with permanent magnet synchronous motors that reach 21,500 rpm. Specific power and torque figures have not been disclosed.
Torque vectoring and wheel-slip control handle load shifts and acceleration, minimizing understeer during cornering. The system coordinates brakes, steering, battery, and thermal management, supporting both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive layouts.
Battery split keeps the roofline low
The battery is divided into two sections rather than using a single large pack. A quarter of the energy storage sits at the front, with the remaining three-quarters at the rear. This arrangement maintains the current A110’s roof height while preserving the low seating position expected in a sports car.
The 800-volt system employs Cell-to-Pack technology in a two-layer design. The housing is made from high-pressure die-cast aluminum, contributing to structural stiffness. A centralized battery management system and aluminum cable connections complete the setup. Alpine also references a 400-volt boost charging option, though its function and charging speeds remain unclear.
Development relied heavily on simulations to reduce time and cost. Supplier specifications were finalized before physical testing began, but no launch date has been announced.
The A110 Future remains a prototype, offering a glimpse of how Alpine intends to preserve its lightweight philosophy in an electric future. Its low profile and rear-biased weight distribution indicate the brand is focusing on more than just acceleration. The model’s success may hinge on whether it can match the driving feel of its gasoline predecessor.
China’s recent surge in plug-in car exports highlights the growing competition in this segment.
