Bentley Motors, the British luxury carmaker, announced on Thursday that it would extend its timeline for phasing out fossil fuel vehicles, now aiming to become fully electric by 2035 instead of 2030. The decision reflects a broader slowdown in the auto industry’s transition to electric vehicles, with brands such as Toyota, Volvo, and Ford also delaying electric model rollouts.
Bentley’s first fully electric model, an “urban SUV,” will debut in 2026, produced in Crewe, where Bentley’s workforce numbers 4,000. The SUV is expected to be smaller than Bentley’s Bentayga SUV, with a design catering to urban buyers who favor luxury and sustainability.
The delay comes despite Bentley’s relatively insulated customer base, with prices ranging from £170,000 to £1.7 million, yet executives acknowledge that buyers are deterred by limited charging infrastructure in markets outside Europe, China, and the US. Bentley’s new chief executive, Frank-Steffen Walliser, highlighted that the brand remains committed to a “decarbonised future” but must consider current economic and regulatory conditions.
In 2030, Bentley will continue offering plug-in hybrids—vehicles that use a petrol engine and a rechargeable battery. These hybrids represent a middle ground for Bentley’s clients hesitant to go fully electric.
Bentley’s choice to produce its electric vehicles in Britain highlights potential challenges, as slow domestic battery factory development may force initial reliance on imported batteries. However, electric motors offer distinct benefits for the luxury market, with quieter operations and smoother acceleration, aligning well with Bentley’s reputation for refined driving experiences.
The delayed transition aligns Bentley with the cautious approach seen among other automakers adapting to fluctuating market and legislative landscapes while responding to shifting consumer expectations around sustainability and performance.
