Over the last couple of years there has been much talk about Bentleys first electric vehicle, the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car, which is expected to arrive in 2025.
Although styling hasn’t been confirmed yet, it appears that the drive train etc has. The Bentley EV will ride on the PPE platform, which will also be underneath the Audi Q6 E-Tron and Porsche Macan EV and the power plant could develop as much as 1,400 horsepower or 1,044 kilowatts. To put it into perspective, depending on which mode you have the car set on, it will take you from 0 to 60 mph (approximately 100kmh) in either 2.7 seconds or 1.5 seconds. That’s faster than the current quickest production cars, the Tesla Model S Plaid at 1.9 seconds, and the upcoming Rimac Nevera at 1.85 seconds, both of which are EV’s. Either way it’s fast enough to leave your breakfast on the start line.
Apparently, Bentley are determined not to make their first electric vehicle look like an electric vehicle, and I think you’ll agree that they’ve succeeded there if this gallery of images at motor1.com of the EXP 100 GT is any indication, it’s certainly a wicked looking car:
EV future with the EXP 100 GT Concept.
According to J.P. Gregory, Bentley’s Head of Exterior Design, “The Bentley EXP 100 GT is the perfect demonstration of how Bentley is going to evolve and stay relevant in the new era of autonomous cars and alternative fuel. It demonstrates the future of luxury craftsmanship with a seamless fusion of materials and intelligent curation of technology. And it is a physical embodiment of the future Bentley brand, a perfect blend of performance, technology, and craftsmanship.” Not totally sure what all that means; however, it does sound impressive.
Bentley are reported to be investing £2.5 billion over the next 10 years to build EVs at its Crewe facility in the United Kingdom and are planning to convert their entire lineup to plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles by 2026 and gas-less vehicles by 2030.
Time will tell if this timeline is reached, however I think, very cleverly, Bentley intends to offer hybrid versions of every model in its range in the foreseeable future.
For example, the Bentley range currently offers two proven hybrid systems, one created for the Bentayga and the other for the Flying Spur. By combining efficient petrol engines with advanced electric motors, they offer the engaging drive and long-range associated with Bentley’s petrol-only engines, alongside significantly lower emissions.
All hybrid Bentaygas are fitted with a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, the hybrid Flying Spurs feature a 2.9 litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, while the battery and essential architecture of the hybrid system are the same.
Housed between the gearbox and the petrol engine, the E Motor (a permanent magnet synchronous motor) delivers full torque instantly, minimising any delay that could result from turbocharger lag, resulting in smooth acceleration from a standing start.
As recharging time is a question that is always asked, all of the Bentley hybrids are powered by a 18.0 kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery that can be charged at a rate of 7.2kW/h, meaning it can be fully recharged in as little as two and a half hours.
To be honest, I was really surprised how far advanced Bentley are with their hybrid and EV programs, and how determined they are to not power their cars in the very near future with traditional fuels.
If you’d like to know more about Bentleys electric and hybrid program, which is very impressive, here’s the link to their website page: