Rolls-Royce backs away from EV-only target, retains V12 engines

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has stepped back from plans to become an all-electric brand, with chief executive Chris Brownridge confirming the company will continue producing V12-powered models.

The brand had previously signalled a shift to fully electric vehicles by 2030, following the launch of the Spectre EV and expectations that electric models would make up the majority of sales by the end of the decade.

Brownridge, speaking to British media, says the earlier strategy –– led by then-CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös –– reflected a different regulatory environment.

He described the decision as “right at the time” and said it was “based on a different set of circumstances”.

The move follows changes to European emissions policy, with a planned 2035 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles replaced by emissions limits.

Rolls-Royce sold 5,664 vehicles globally last year, with 1,002 units of the Spectre EV delivered, making it the brand’s second most popular model behind the Cullinan.

The remainder of the range — including the Phantom, Ghost and Cullinan — continues to be powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 petrol engine.

BMW development head Dr Joachim Post says the engine remains viable under upcoming emissions standards.

“We can fulfil Euro 7 with some optimisation in the exhaust system – with things like the catalysts – so that’s why we have a big advantage in that Euro 7 is not that high an investment for us,” Post says.

Rolls-Royce has not confirmed future electric vehicle plans beyond the Spectre.