Major British car brand delays production of first EV but confirms plans to make electric-only motors within years

A MAJOR car brand has delayed its first-ever EV, while confirming plans to go all-electric within years.

The iconic British manufacturer cited increasing demand in other areas as a major factor in the decision.

Bentley had originally planned to release its first fully electric car by next year but the timeline has now been extended.

Speaking on the company's latest financial results call, CEO Adrian Hallmark said: "There’s no question that BEVs are where we will all head.

"But we have seen a definite change, not just in the UK, but globally in respect of regulations and governments taking a different view on the rate of movements towards full EVs, as well as an uptick in acceptance and demand for hybrids."

Instead, the company now expects to release the luxury battery-powered motor towards the end of 2026.

In the meantime, it reported strong sales figures for its hybrid offerings, including the Bentayga range.

And despite the delay, the brand confirmed it would press ahead with plans to go all-electric within years.

An investment of £2.5 billion will see it phase out internal combustion engines by 2030.

Mr Hallmark also had strong words for the suggestion that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars could be brought forward.

The prohibition was slated for 2030 but was delayed by five years by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak back in September 2023.

However, since then, there has been talk of reverting to the original cut-off date after the next election.

Mr Hallmark added: "It would be a mistake going back from 2035 to 2030.

"It would create uncertainty."

He suggested that it could take up to eight years to develop a new vehicle so a change of plans this late on would be damaging.

Despite the delay, though, Bentley confirmed a strong year in 2023 with revenue topping £2.5 billion - the company's second-best performance ever.

It comes after a car expert shared five luxury motors that you can pick up for less than £5,000.

Meanwhile, a Corrie star revealed that he was forced to sell his beloved classic Jaguar due to the crumbling state of Britain's roads.