Automakers everywhere are keen to get in on the hybrid and EV action. “Green” cars are able to save the driver money at the pump and are better for the environment as well. That has led many drivers that could afford much nicer vehicles to purchase things like the Toyota Prius and the Chevy Volt.

The fact that the wealthy are buying these reasonably cheap EVs and hybrids isn't lost on some of the premium luxury brands. Lexus has stepped into the hybrid market in a big way and Porsche is hard at work on a number of hybrid vehicles including the 918 RSR Hybrid. In the super luxury range, one name is synonymous with excess: Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce has debuted its new 102EX concept in Geneva and claims the title of world's first ultra-luxury battery electric vehicle.

The 102EX is also known by the name Phantom Experimental Electric and is intended to test the opinion and reaction to alternative power configurations with stakeholders, enthusiasts and the media. The vehicle is a pure test bed at this time and there are no plans for a production version of the vehicle.

The Phantom EE has the V12 and 6-speed transmission of the standard Phantom replaced by dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. The motors are each rated at 145kW with a max power output of 290kW for the pair and 800Nm of torque. The battery is made using Nickel Cobalt Manganese and has 230Wh/kg of power. Rolls-Royce figures that the vehicle can drive about 200km on a single charge using a battery pack that is thought to be the largest ever fitted to a road car.

The battery pack is made from five modules of cells in an irregularly shaped unit and has 96-cells total. The vehicle uses induction charging, which means the driver doesn't need to plug in to charge and the system eased is about 90% efficient. The car performs decently as well with a 160kph top speed and 0-60 time in less than eight seconds.

"Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars begins an exploration into alternative drivetrains, seeking clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future. The alternative drive train we choose must deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience. 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. That is why this project is so important," said CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös.