Aston Martin Confirms Next-Gen Models Will Keep V12 Engines, Delays EV Plans to 2030s

Aston Martin is developing its next-generation vehicle platform, which will underpin future sports cars and SUVs and continue to offer a V12 engine option. The company has modified its V12 engine to comply with emissions regulations in Europe and the United States and plans to cap annual sales of V12-powered models at fewer than 1,000 units to secure regulatory exemptions lasting at least until 2035. Previously, in 2023, Aston Martin announced a partnership with Lucid to supply electric drive systems for its future battery-electric vehicles, but that project has been significantly delayed. The original plan to launch four all-electric models by 2030 has now been revised to introduce the brand’s first fully electric vehicles sometime during the 2030s—a shift driven largely by customer feedback, as many owners have expressed clear skepticism toward electric vehicles. The company also evaluated a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) approach but concluded that the added weight and complexity of PHEV systems could not be justified by the limited emissions benefits from their modest electric-only range. Consequently, Aston Martin has opted for a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that shuts off the engine during stop-and-go traffic and coasting scenarios to achieve modest fuel economy improvements. The new platform enables production of diverse models—from SUVs to supercars—on the same assembly line, helping reduce costs and enhance technological commonality. Next-generation models will also feature increased use of bonded aluminum structures to improve body rigidity, rear-wheel steering for sharper turn-in response, and stiffer suspension mounting points for enhanced ride quality. The company has developed mathematical models to define the performance characteristics of each model, describing the result as “a revolution.”