Rolls-Royce is not one to bow to peer pressure. The company’s excessive excellence has always been in a class of its own. Its brand name has become synonymous with “luxury” in the same way that Kleenex has become synonymous with “achoo!” But while Rolls oozes opulence, it also generates hazardous emissions that the company and its customers can no longer ignore. That may be why Rolls-Royce is beginning to develop more EVs —but in its own sweet time.

The Mystery Deepens

So how does one convert a 6,000-pound moving monument to wealth into a battery-powered green machine? Electric vehicles have moved beyond their putt-putt image and into supercar territory, but it’s still difficult to imagine a captain of industry hanging out in the backseat while the white-gloved chauffeur charges the Phantom. Rolls-Royce is maintaining a dignified silence on the subject, so we’re left with rumors.

Whispers Are Getting Louder

In 2017, Rolls-Royce officially ruled out manufacturing hybrids. But now that luxury brands like Jaguar, BMW, and Bentley have committed to electric vehicles. Rolls-Royce has entered the race. While the earliest reports claimed that the company would add a battery to one of its current models, now the loudest speculation is that we can expect a brand-new Rolls to join the lineup.

After that, a green version of the Cullinan could hit the market. The media, grasping for clues, discovered that Rolls-Royce’s parent company, BMW, filed a trademark for the name “Silent Shadow.” If that does turn out to be the name of the new electric vehicle, it could be a callback to the Silver Shadow, its popular 1965-80 model.

The Countdown Has Begun

But why is Rolls-Royce beginning to develop more EVs now?

Eco-Friendly Legislation

States are getting more aggressive in moving toward regulations for new car sales with zero emissions—including California and New York. These are states where rich people live. And rich people buy Rolls-Royces.

Superiority Complex

Rolls-Royce is not familiar with the saying, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” They just beat ’em. The official car for the British royal family takes pride in lording it over other, lesser motor-wagons. If they must make an electric vehicle, Rolls-Royce has the talent, imagination, and style to make the best. And money means nothing to the company or its clients.

Redefined Status Symbols

Once upon a time, the wealthy showed off their success with furs, racehorses, and gold-plated bathrooms. But there’s a new breed of upper class that flexes with its commitment to the environment, not to indulgence. Even the founders of Google drive Priuses. But if these masters of the universe could have indulgence and eco-cred, not even Rolls-Royce’s custom-designed, fiber-optic-lit, “starry night” roofs will be the limit.

Face it—it might be time to make a little space in the garage. If you’re ready to sell your Rolls-Royce, Nahas Motorcars can come to you and make an offer with concierge-level service. Contact us for a free quote.