Photo: Catalin Garmacea
In light of recent developments in terms of regulations regarding CO2 emissions, even the almighty Rolls-Royce might have to change its way of doing things.
Deemed as an unreliable technology in the past by the Goodwood-based manufacturer, the tide may be turning soon and it seems like the Brits have changed their mind lately.
In an interview for Automotive News Europe, Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Muller-Otvos said that if a battery technology that can offer a bigger range without drastically increasing weight or its size, this could be a good alternative for its customers. Going even further he said that “[he] can definitely imagine a fully electric Rolls-Royce”.
That’s a 180 degree change and if some analysts said that the luxury brand will eventually, maybe, consider plug-in hybrids this statement about full EVs took everyone by surprise.
This is probably the clearest evidence that the increasing pressure applied to manufacturers by legislators and even cities around the world is starting to be felt everywhere and no auto maker is safe at this point.
Following on the same line of thought, other brands that were never believed to migrate to such powertrains have shown signs of remorse, launching a full-on offensive to lower CO2 emission levels. The most obvious example is Porsche that replaced almost all of its naturally aspirated engines with turbocharged units, a move that was never before thought possible.
Furthermore, they unveiled the Mission E electric concept at Frankfurt this week, a clear sign that big changes are planned.
Of course, a final decision hasn’t been made yet in case of the EV Rolls-Royce but since the CEO is considering it, it’s just a matter of time until we hear more about it. That also implies further development of battery storage options which shouldn’t be too far away with BMW, the parent company of Rolls-Royce, announcing only recently that it is developing a new kind of battery that should offer at least twice the range without increasing in size or weight.
In an interview for Automotive News Europe, Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Muller-Otvos said that if a battery technology that can offer a bigger range without drastically increasing weight or its size, this could be a good alternative for its customers. Going even further he said that “[he] can definitely imagine a fully electric Rolls-Royce”.
That’s a 180 degree change and if some analysts said that the luxury brand will eventually, maybe, consider plug-in hybrids this statement about full EVs took everyone by surprise.
This is probably the clearest evidence that the increasing pressure applied to manufacturers by legislators and even cities around the world is starting to be felt everywhere and no auto maker is safe at this point.
Following on the same line of thought, other brands that were never believed to migrate to such powertrains have shown signs of remorse, launching a full-on offensive to lower CO2 emission levels. The most obvious example is Porsche that replaced almost all of its naturally aspirated engines with turbocharged units, a move that was never before thought possible.
Furthermore, they unveiled the Mission E electric concept at Frankfurt this week, a clear sign that big changes are planned.
Of course, a final decision hasn’t been made yet in case of the EV Rolls-Royce but since the CEO is considering it, it’s just a matter of time until we hear more about it. That also implies further development of battery storage options which shouldn’t be too far away with BMW, the parent company of Rolls-Royce, announcing only recently that it is developing a new kind of battery that should offer at least twice the range without increasing in size or weight.
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