Bentley is another in a series of manufacturers abandoning their original plan to electrify their cars quickly. After Volvo recently did the same, now Bentley is facing reality and putting its focus on hybrids.

Four years ago, the British company announced that it plans to sell only plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles from 2026, and switch to all-electric models from the end of the decade. However, with the arrival of the new Chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley is changing its strategy. The new plan is to adopt hybrid technology as a medium-term strategic plan, because in the luxury segment customers still prefer internal combustion engines.

Walliser acknowledged that adoption of EV technology has been slower than many in the industry expected. But unlike other manufacturers that can produce electric and gasoline versions at the same time, Bentley cannot afford to do so.

Bentley is not giving up on electric cars, so the new goal is 2035, when the brand should become fully electric, and the first fully electric Bentley should reach the market in 2027. It will not be an electric version of the existing model, but a completely new car.

Source: Bentley