Bentley to speed transformation to full-electric models in 2033

CREWE: Like many major manufacturers, Bentley Motors is also taking the next step in motoring evolution towards electrified cars seriously.

The company has committed £2.5bil (RM14bil) for the next 10 years to ensure sustainability at the Crewe manufacturing facility.

The investment programme will also result in a complete transformation of Bentley's entire product portfolio and the historic Crewe Campus into a ‘Dream Factory’ by embedding an industry-leading greenfield facility into a world-leading, next generation digital, low environment, high-value advance manufacturing facility.

Among the latest initiatives will be an extension of on-site energy production at Crewe, aiming to increase the number of solar panels from 30,000 to 40,000 in the next two years.

Under the company's Beyond100 strategy, Bentley expects its first Battery-powered Electric Vehicle (BEV) to be launched in 2025 with a new BEV model to be introduced each year until 2029.

By 2030, all Bentley models will be fully BEVs and carbon neutral end-to-end. (Update: Bentley has revised the goal to 2033)

For time being, Bentley will be launching five new hybrid variants this year.

Bentley Motors chairman Adrian Hallmark said Beyond100 is the boldest plan in Bentley’s illustrious history, and in the luxury segment.

“It’s an ambitious and credible roadmap to carbon neutrality of our total business system, including the shift to 100% BEV in just eight years.

“Our aim is to become the benchmark not just for luxury cars or sustainable credentials but the entire scope of our operations.

“Securing production of our first BEV in Crewe is a milestone moment for Bentley, and the UK, as we plan for a long-term sustainable future in Crewe,” he said.