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Rolls Royce Is Not Thinking Of Hybrid Powertrains Except If Customers Demand It
Rolls-Royce is not pushing for hybrid powertrains, and while it plans to go all-electric by 2030, it remains open to alternative options if that’s what its customers prefer.
Many automakers are turning to hybrids before switching to electric powertrains later. However, according to Rolls-Royce chief executive Chris Brownridge, “a hybrid is not something we envisioned”, suggesting it could compromise the “effortless power” of its vehicles.
Rolls-Royce seems convinced that battery-electric vehicles are its future. Although the Specter is currently its only EV, it will soon be joined by a large crossover and an electric replacement for the Phantom in the coming years.
The brand will then be ready to retire its internal combustion models after the 2031 model year. However, Brownridge indicated that this date is flexible.
“We can be fully electric by 2030, but we will be driven by our clients,” he said. “Different regions of the world will progress in terms of their powertrain at different rates. So it’s important that we can accept that.”
Unlike many automakers that are focused on increasing volume, Rolls-Royce enjoys the luxury of not having to chase bigger sales. Last year, the company sold about 6,000 vehicles, and according to Brownridge, there is no goal to increase that number. Instead, the brand is focused on “increasing value for our customers” by improving its bespoke offering, which allows extensive customization of new vehicles.
