Think of electric cars and luxury car maker Bentley might be one of the last manufacturers you would normally consider. That is set to change as the company has announced it will exclusively make electric cars from 2030.

The move is part of plans to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility under its Beyond100 strategy. Bentley says it will reinvent every aspect of its business to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation as it embarks on its second century. This includes switching its model range to offer exclusively plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicles by 2026, and full electric vehicles only by 2030, a significant transformation from currently being the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder petrol engines.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors, said, “Since 1919, Bentley has defined luxury grand touring. Being at the forefront of progress is part of our DNA. Now, as we look Beyond100, we will continue to lead by reinventing the company and becoming the world’s benchmark luxury car business.”

Bentley’s electrified future was previewed with the reveal of the all-electric EXP 100 GT concept car in its centenary year, which also featured a multitude of sustainable materials. These included 5,000-year-old copper-infused Riverwood, traditionally produced wool carpets and a leather-like textile upholstery made from a bi-product of wine-making. Bentley will continue to use only sustainably sourced materials throughout its current, and next generation of cars.