Bentley is rethinking its move to go fully electric by 2030, choosing instead to keep its iconic V8 engines around for a bit longer.
The luxury carmaker, owned by Volkswagen, has recognized that many of its high-end customers still prefer the sound and power of traditional engines.
Back in 2020, Bentley set an ambitious goal to sell only plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles by 2026, with plans to go fully electric by 2030. But under the new leadership of Frank-Steffen Walliser, the company is slowing down.
Walliser, who helped develop Porsche's hybrid hypercar, says the shift to electric cars is taking longer than the industry expected.
“What we see in the luxury market right now is that people aren’t ready to give up their gas engines,” Walliser explained in an interview. "They still associate luxury cars with the thrill of a V8."
To keep up with customer demand, Bentley will focus more on hybrid cars, which combine gasoline engines with electric power.
Hybrids, according to Walliser, aren’t just a stop-gap—he believes they could be a long-term solution for many Bentley drivers.
The brand also sees potential in sustainable e-fuels, already being produced by Porsche in Chile, as a way to keep traditional engines running.
While Bentley still plans to introduce electric cars, including a new model that won’t replace any existing gasoline vehicle, the company is now betting that hybrids will be a big part of its future.
