Rolls-Royce Delays Full Electrification, V12 Combustion Models to Continue Beyond 2030

Rolls-Royce has quietly adjusted its original plan to go fully electric by 2030, deciding instead to continue producing internal combustion engine models equipped with V12 engines into the next decade. CEO Chris Brownridge acknowledged that preferences among ultra-high-end customers are clearly divided, with roughly half still favoring the smoothness and brand heritage delivered by V12 engines. Given that each vehicle sells for over $400,000, the company must prioritize customer demand. Additionally, relaxed regulations in key markets and Rolls-Royce’s low-volume, bespoke production model provide further flexibility to retain combustion-engine vehicles. The brand will now offer both all-electric and internal combustion models concurrently. Other ultra-luxury marques—including Bentley, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini—have similarly slowed their pace of electrification.