Bentley to dump petrol power and become EV brand by 2030

Bentley has declared that come 2030 it will not produce a single fossil-fuel-powered vehicle as part of a grand plan to become completely carbon neutral before the end of the decade.

Announcing its plan to ditch all internal combustion-powered engines as part of the company's Beyond100 strategy, the Volkswagen Group-owned British luxury car-maker confirmed that its aspiration is to become a "global leader in sustainable luxury mobility".

In the transition to phasing out its V8 and W12 powertrains, Bentley says it will introduce plug-in hybrids across its entire line-up.

Currently, the Bentley Bentayga is the brand's only model to be offered with a turbo-petrol V6 plug-in hybrid, but from next year both the sporty Bentley Continental GT coupe and convertible and Flying Spur limousine will get the option of a full plug-in hybrid powertrain.

It's rumoured that all three will be powered by the same plug-in hybrid that was introduced in the revised Porsche Panamera range, blending a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, single electric motor and a 17.9kWh lithium-ion battery that should provide up to 412kW and a 54km pure-electric range.

Bentley's first full pure-electric vehicle, meanwhile, is expected to arrive a few years later in 2025.

There's no official confirmation of what shape or form the battery-powered vehicle will take but the safe money is it will be a second SUV that is likely to be based on the dedicated pure-electric J1 architecture Porsche developed for the Taycan.

Back in 2019 the British car-maker revealed its EXP 100 GT concept that was, at the time, hailed as a blueprint for future Bentley EVs.

Once the pure-electric Bentley is launched, the company says that within 12 months of its introduction the entire range will either be driven by a plug-in hybrid or be battery-powered.

Adding credibility to its sustainable plans, the Crewe-based car-maker says it will invite independent auditors to confirm its carbon-neutral status.

Bentley has already taken steps to install solar panels at its factory to ensure production of its vehicles is carbon neutral.

Commenting on its plans, Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark said: “Being at the forefront of progress is part of our DNA; the original Bentley boys were pioneers and leaders.

"Now, as we look Beyond100, we will continue to lead by reinventing the company and becoming the world’s benchmark luxury car business.

“Within a decade, Bentley will transform from a 100-year-old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury.”