LONDON -- Bentley said the batteries powering its first full-electric car, which will launch in 2025, will be an evolution of the current lithium ion type, rather than a new battery technology such as solid state.
"I don't see a step change for 2025," Matthias Rabe, the brand's engineering chief, said in an online presentation during which the ultraluxury brand outlined an electric-only future from 2030.
The lithium ion batteries used by Bentley's EV will be an improvement from current technology, Rabe said, citing better energy density, better power density, faster recharging and a lower cost.
"Battery technology is steadily evolving," he said.
After its first EV in 2025, Bentley will introduce a "family" of EVs, Rabe said.
This date is significant because that is when Bentley will be able to use a new EV architecture.
"2025 will be a big step because we will have access to a new platform which really makes us able to create a real Bentley with characteristics such as effortless driving with [interior] space," Rabe said.
Bentley has not disclosed which platform its EV will use. It is expected to be parent Volkswagen Group's new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), currently being developed by Porsche and Audi.