Aston Martin working on an electric version of Cygnet

Aston Martin is developing an electric version of the Cygnet, which will be launched in its gas-powered version later in 2011, according to Britain�s Car magazine. It actually shouldn�t come as a surprise since Aston Martin officials perceive the Cygnet as a means to give its customer base a vehicle that�s both efficient and luxurious. Many cities in Europe have been adding infrastructure that would be open only to electric and/or hybrid vehicles.

In addition, Aston won�t have to concern itself with extensive engineering to build the Cygnet electric vehicle. Toyota had long been considering an electric version for the iQ city car whose gas-powered form is the basis for the regular production Cygnet.

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota had displayed a production-ready version of the iQ EV. If the Cygnet EV is a mirror image of that car, it�s to be expected that the two-door will use a small electric motor to power the front wheels. A lithium-ion battery pack will be positioned under the Cygnet�s floor. It�s estimated to have a range of 65 miles per charge. This is in line with Aston�s thinking that this will be used as an urban runabout and that for longer trips, Aston owners will use the Vantage, Vanquish, Virage, Rapide, or One-77, among others.[via - 4wheelsnews]