Bentley has abandoned its plan to only sell EVs by 2030, though will still launch its first EV in 2026.
Just two years ago, Bentley committed to launching five electric vehicles and become an electric-only carmaker by 2030. Like others, they’ve changed their tune in response to the slowdown in EV growth this year.
Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser told Car and Driver recently that buyers in luxury segments still want petrol engines, alone or as part of a PHEV.
He said that luxury car buyers are rejecting electric cars. “They consider luxury cars only with the combustion engine.”
Bentley has therefore decided to slow the rollout of new EVs. It will become a full EV brand only by the mid-2030s, Walliser said. The goal date is no longer a specific target either.
Bentley’s first pure EV will be in a new segment, according to Walliser. He said Bentley is not large enough to be able to offer both an EV and a petrol model in the same segment. However, it can mix the two with a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV).
Instead of a several EVs, Bentley will now introduce PHEV technology across the range. It has started this process with the Continental GT and Flying Spur models.
Walliser also said that there may still be a place for models powered purely by a gas engine. But it is likely these will be low-volume special editions. The alternative is if/when a carbon-neutral e-fuel is adopted and fuel availability becomes widespread.
In contrast to the Bentley approach, rival Rolls-Royce is said to be pressing on with development of an electric SUV and electric sedan to join its Spectre electric coupe. Aston Martin also has several EVs under consideration, though the automaker has hinted that the release of these may be pushed back.
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