Bentley’s first EV pushed again a yr to 2026

Bentley will not launch its first electric vehicle till 2026, a yr later than initially deliberate, in line with the model’s CEO.

In an interview with Automotive News (subscription required) printed on Wednesday, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark stated the EV has been delayed, however did not present a purpose.

He nonetheless denied the delay was on account of reported setbacks at Volkswagen Group’s Cariad software program growth unit. Bloomberg reported on Monday that Volkswagen Group’s CEO shuffle last week was on account of delays in mannequin launches at Audi, Bentley and Porsche attributable to software program points.

The primary Bentley EV is being developed alongside the same Audi mannequin code-named Challenge Artemis, with each to make use of a model of VW Group’s future SSP platform. Porsche was initially a part of the mission however reportedly pulled out earlier this year. Porsche is now anticipated to make use of for its mannequin VW Group’s PPE platform which debuts shortly within the Audi Q6 E-Tron.

Hallmark stated regardless of the delay, which he stated in actuality will solely be a couple of months versus a full yr, Bentley will nonetheless reveal the EV in 2025.

He did not say whether or not the delay may also end in Bentley lacking its goal of getting a full-electric lineup by 2030, a goal that was first introduced in 2020.

Curiously, Hallmark stated Bentley is within the distinctive place the place an EV battery is definitely cheaper than the engines Bentley makes use of in its automobiles.

“The typical battery is lower than our 12-cylinder engine,” he advised Automotive Information. “I am unable to look ahead to batteries, they’re low cost in relative phrases.”