Rolls-Royce rules out hybrid cars

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Otvös has ruled out the possibility of hybrid powertrains from the brand in the future, saying that it will only introduce battery technology when it’s developed enough for an all-electric machine.

 Müller-Otvös said he is convinced that electric powertrains are the future of motoring, but added that the luxury firm’s customers would not accept the ‘compromise’ of hybrid technology.

 “Electrification is the way forward – and there will be no in between steps for us like hybridisation,” said Müller-Otvös at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. “It is the propulsion system for the future, make no error. There is a time, nobody can predict when, when there will be no combustion engines. That will take a long, long time, but it will happen.”

 Explaining why the company would not invest in hybrid technology, Müller-Otvös added: “The Rolls-Royce brand is not, in a way, a game changer when it comes to revolutionary technology. Our customers are doing so for reasons of utmost luxury, so there can be no imperfections.

“Compromises when it comes to technology, or operating our products, are unacceptable. People are more interested in highly reliably substance than to be a test field for new technology.”

 Müller-Otvös also noted that access to technology developed by BMW, Rolls-Royce's parent company, would be a great asset when it does start work on an electric powertrain.

 Last year Rolls-Royce unveiled a Vision 100 concept, as part of the BMW Group’s 100th anniversary. That was an all-electric machine with autonomous technology. But Müller-Otvös said that, while autonomous tech “will come” to Rolls-Royce cars, it was not a priority.