Rolls-Royce Delays Full Electrification, Keeps V12 Engines Beyond 2030

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has decided not to go fully electric by 2030. CEO Chris Brownridge confirmed this change, citing relaxed government regulations and lower customer demand for electric vehicles. This marks a shift from the company's earlier plan to phase out V12 engines by the end of the decade.

Key Highlights

• Rolls-Royce will not go fully electric by 2030
• Spectre is the only current electric model in the lineup
• Spectre sales dropped 47 percent to 1,002 units in 2025
• Cullinan was the brand’s best-seller with 3,291 units sold
• Other luxury brands are also delaying full electrification plans

Former CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos had announced in 2022 that Rolls-Royce would stop producing V12-powered cars by 2030. Brownridge now says that decision was based on different circumstances. He explained that some clients still prefer V12 engines, which remain a key part of the brand’s identity. Brownridge stated, “For every client who loves an electric vehicle, there is one who does not. Some clients do want an EV, [and] we build what is ordered.”

Current Lineup and Electric Plans

The Spectre is currently the only electric vehicle in the Rolls-Royce lineup. All other models, including the Ghost and Phantom sedans and the Cullinan SUV, use V12 combustion engines. Despite dropping the all-electric goal for 2030, Rolls-Royce is developing its first electric SUV. The new model, expected to debut this year, was recently seen testing in Sweden. The prototype shows blocky, upright proportions similar to the Cullinan but with unique styling features.

Sales Performance and Industry Trends

Rolls-Royce had previously aimed for the Spectre to make up 20 percent of annual sales, rising to 70 percent by 2028. However, recent sales figures show the Spectre sold 1,002 units in 2025, a 47 percent drop from 1,890 units the previous year. The Cullinan SUV was the brand’s best-seller, with 3,291 units sold in the last calendar year.

Rolls-Royce is not alone in revising its electrification strategy. Volvo has abandoned its plan to sell only electric vehicles by 2030. Bentley has delayed its EV-only target from 2030 to 2035. Lamborghini’s Lanzador, once planned as an all-electric SUV, will now launch as a plug-in hybrid. Porsche’s upcoming K1 flagship SUV will also not debut as an EV.

These changes reflect a broader industry trend as luxury carmakers adjust their electrification timelines in response to market and regulatory shifts.