Rolls-Royce will offer a fully electric car within the next ten years, and it will be an entirely new model rather than an electrified version of anything in its current line-up. A senior member of staff also told YesAuto that the brand has consulted with customers who were very receptive to the idea of an EV, but roundly rejected a hybrid model.
Speaking at the launch of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Richard Carter, Director of Global Communications for Roll-Royce, said the entire range of the brand will inevitably be electric one day, but customers are keen to embrace the technology as the strong performance offered by an EV, coupled with a quiet and serene driving experience, go hand-in-hand with the Rolls-Royce mission statement.
He admitted the first EV will arrive “within the next ten years” and that Rolls-Royce “would be foolish” not to draw upon the expertise of owner BMW when it comes to developing an electric powertrain.
“It’s something we are already working on,” said Carter. “BMW is a leader in the field of EV technology so of course we will look to work with them. It will not be simply a case of making a Ghost or Wraith electric, it will be a new, standalone model. Our customers welcome the idea of an electric Rolls-Royce as that sort of technology suits our cars. We always consult with and listen to what our customers want, and the one message we received was that they are not interested in a hybrid.”
Carter said Rolls-Royce is investigating other areas of EV tech, such as conductive charging.
Last month classic car restorer Lunaz announced it will convert 30 classic Rolls-Royce Phantoms, each costing £500,000. The covert 1960s models will boast a range of up to 300 miles, but the project is not an official partnership with Rolls-Royce.
Keyword: Rolls-Royce EV to arrive ‘within next decade’