In a sign of how unstoppable the momentum of the EV transition has become, Bentley (now a VW brand but still manufacturing in England), has committed £2.5 billion ($A4.7 billion) to build an entirely new EV production facility.
The ‘Dream Factory’ will be located at its current Crewe site in the UK, and will ensure Bentley is both an exclusively full-electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer and an end-to-end carbon neutral one by 2030.
The first full battery electric Bentley vehicle scheduled to roll off the production line in 2025. It highlights how it’s not just countries setting targets to stop sales of petrol vehicles, it’s an increasing number of manufacturers that have delivered “end by” dates.
The Dream Factory’ will also have a ‘go-to-zero’ approach to reducing the environmental impact of every vehicle built – including water use and waste production.
Bentley have called this their ‘Beyond 100’ roadmap – and is ahead of their VW parent group who plan the full transition to electric in Europe by 2035 (with the US soon after) and the entire company carbon neutral by 2050.
It is worth noting here that it would appear to be no coincidence that the UK has a set date of 2030 for ceasing ICE vehicle sales whilst Europe has a 3025 date – suggesting that policy settings do have a significant role to play in providing the certainty manufacturers need when making long term plans.
One can only hope that this message will soon seep into our federal legislator’s minds, and prompt them to make the policy setting changes needed to ensure a smooth – and just – EV Transition here.
If not, Australian EV importers and potential EV manufacturers are likely to continue avoiding making serious or long-term EV commitments due to Australia’s ongoing uncertain EV policy position.
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.