The possibility of a future where the majority of new cars sold are electrified may seem distant, but it might be nearer than anticipated. Bentley has announced its intention to offer hybrid versions of every model by 2023, but it has now set firmer goals for its electrification journey: the company plans to exclusively market plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles by 2025. By 2030, Bentley’s entire lineup will consist of battery-electric vehicles.
While many car manufacturers are gradually transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric power, Bentley’s shift marks a particularly significant change. If the company meets its ambitious targets, it will transform from the leading producer of 12-cylinder internal combustion engines to a solely electric vehicle manufacturer within a decade. However, this transition will not happen overnight. Bentley has promised to introduce two new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in 2021, along with its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in 2025, which is expected to be its first “cradle to grave fully carbon-neutral car.”
While decreasing tailpipe emissions is a positive step, a car’s overall environmental footprint extends beyond its exhaust output. Bentley recognizes this and has pledged to become fully carbon neutral as a corporation by 2030. The company highlights that its factory in Crewe, England, is already carbon neutral, thanks to initiatives that include a water recycling system in the paint shop, local tree planting, the installation of a 10,000 solar panel carport (bringing the total on-site solar panels to 30,000), and a transition to using only renewable energy sources.
Moreover, all suppliers must complete a sustainability audit by the end of this year. If all goes as planned, Bentley anticipates that its Crewe facility will become climate positive by 2030, meaning it will actively help reduce atmospheric carbon while supporting businesses that invest in renewable energy and reforestation projects.
Additionally, in a bid to enhance social responsibility, Bentley is focusing on increasing workforce diversity, aiming for 30 percent of its management team to be “truly diverse.” Currently, this figure is reported to be under 20 percent.
These initiatives are commendable and reflect a socially conscious approach from a brand that might be perceived as traditional or elitist by the general public. Nevertheless, while these plans are praiseworthy, they are merely intentions at this point. The events of 2020 have demonstrated how quickly plans and society can shift. While Bentley deserves recognition for its efforts to make luxury car manufacturing more sustainable and responsible, true appreciation will come once these plans are realized.
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