Bentley, the Crewe-based British automaker, has cancelled its plan to go fully electric by 2030. The automaker, renowned for its luxury vehicles such as the Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Bentayga, cited the decreased demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the luxury market as the reason for this decision. Due to this, Bentley will renew these three models with petrol engines and delay its all-electric goal to 2035. This change in plans reflects a broader trend among premium brands rethinking their EV strategies.
CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser explained that the market has changed since the launch of the Beyond100 strategy, which outlined the company’s ambition for a fully electric future beyond 2030. He added that, while the strategy still stands, there is a need to first align with the needs of customers.
Bentley’s initial plan was to target plug-in hybrids and EVs by 2026, phasing out hybrids for a zero-emission lineup by 2030. Moving forward, the company will instead produce plug-in hybrids alongside petrol models until 2035. Its first EV, an urban SUV, will debut in 2026.
Volkswagen Group’s Influence and Industry Trends
The decision made by Bentley aligns with Volkswagen Group, its parent company and also the owner of Porsche and Audi. Recently, Porsche also delayed its latest EV launch and instead decided to focus on internal combustion engines (ICE) alongside other innovations like wireless charging for its upcoming Cayenne EV. Audi also paused its 2033 all-electric goal due to the current market conditions.
Volkswagen Group has invested €3.1 billion in ICE development. This move coincides and favors Bentley’s move to keep petrol-powered models. This comes amid high demand, especially in the Middle East and North America.
Despite pausing its all-electric goal, Bentley remains profitable, reporting €373 million (£325 million) in operating profit last year. The company has also showed how committed it is to the production of traditional engines alongside EVs by upgrading its Crewe facility with a new assembly line, design center and paint shop.
Other Automakers Follow Suit
Besides Bentley, other luxury and performance automakers are rethinking their EV plans following decreased demand for EVs. Buyers have been hesitant to buy EVs because of their high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and range concerns.
Due to changing customer preferences, even Porsche has extended its production of ICE models, such as the Cayman and the 718 Boxster.
However, Subaru has decided to take a different approach by lining up seven new EVs to reignite passion among EV enthusiasts. The company has hinted at bringing back the thrill of its iconic Impreza in a new electric flagship model.
A Comeback for British Sports Cars
While other automakers are grappling with the challenges of electrification, Zenos, another British brand, is making a comeback after its collapse in 2017. Zenos, which was acquired by AC Cars, Britain’s oldest automaker, will relaunch its E10 roadster in 2026. This model will be fitted with a Volvo-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a lightweight aluminum chassis, and recycled carbon-fiber bodywork.
The E10 roadster will have a Le Mans-inspired cabin and six-speed manual gearbox and is priced at £140,000. The revival of Zenos by AC Cars indicates its confidence in petrol-performance cars during a time when the industry is moving towards electrification.
The Future of Luxury Driving in the U.S.
Bentley’s plan to turn its back on an electric future indicates a broader shift in the auto industry. Luxury buyers usually look for power, style, and reliability, a combination usually found in petrol engines, not EVs.
Although Bentley plans to introduce its urban SUV EV, it’s clear that it has a plan to balance tradition with innovation. U.S. consumers should soon expect petrol-powered Continental GTs, Flying Spurs, and Bentaygas.
The change of plans is attributed to the challenges experienced with EVs, such as high costs, limited infrastructure, and range concerns. Due to these challenges, the rate of adoption in the U.S. has been slow, leaving the industry’s future uncertain.