Rolls-Royce Reverses EV-Only Goal, Commits to Keeping V12 Engines in Production

• Rolls-Royce abandons its 2030 all-electric vehicle target.
• CEO Chris Brownridge describes the initial EV commitment as appropriate at the time.
• The legendary V12 engine will continue to be manufactured for the foreseeable future.

Initially, Rolls-Royce was fully committed to electric mobility, introducing the Spectre in 2022 and announcing a target to transition completely to electric vehicles by 2030. However, the company has now decided to temper those ambitions.

In a recent discussion with The Times in the United Kingdom, Chris Brownridge, Rolls-Royce’s new CEO, disclosed that the automaker will not pursue an EV-only lineup by 2030. Instead, the brand will maintain production of its iconic twelve-cylinder engines for the time being.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Brownridge explained that easing regulations combined with a slowdown in electric vehicle demand prompted this strategic shift. He noted, "While many customers embrace electric vehicles, there remains a significant number who prefer traditional powertrains." He also reflected that the original decision to commit fully to electric models was "appropriate at that moment in time."

Earlier this year, BMW Group, Rolls-Royce’s parent company, confirmed that it will continue manufacturing combustion engines, including the V12, stating that they can comply with upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards through technical upgrades like enhanced exhaust systems.

Currently, Rolls-Royce plans to continue offering the Spectre EV. Although initial sales for the 2023 model were strong, figures declined sharply in 2025, dropping 47% to 1,002 units. Despite this, the Spectre still slightly outperformed the Ghost, which sold 993 units.