Aston Martin delays EV program, again

ASTON MARTIN has delayed the launch of its electric vehicle program, pushing back the debut of its first EV to “before 2030” – five years later than originally planned.

The delay – ordered by Aston Martin chief executive officer Adrian Hallmark – is the second in Aston Martin’s EV program timeline, former CEO Amadeo Felisa announcing last year that the brand was working toward a 2026 launch date, 12 months later than originally planned.

“In my discussions about joining the company, even then I questioned the electrification strategy,” Mr Hallmark told Automotive News Europe, concerned that EV sales would be impacted by changes in emissions legislation.

“We are not resisting. We are just taking account of legislation, and we are trying to manage through.

“We cannot afford to do combustion engine, hybrid and electric cars and just see which ones work and then turn off the factories for ones that do not. Every one has got to be a winner.”

Mr Hallmark said there would be “at least one” electric car to arrive from Aston Martin by the decade’s end – three fewer than had been earlier proposed.

Aston Martin will continue its focus on offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its sports cars, continuing with the Valhalla hypercar due next year.

Mr Hallmark said the famed British marque will roll-out PHEV versions of all front-engine models “as quick as it can”, mirroring plans announced by Bentley, of which Mr Hallmark was previously CEO.

“Petrol heads who once said they would never have a PHEV, that PHEVs are stupid, are now saying, ‘Well, if I cannot have a full petrol car, that is a great solution’,” added Mr Hallmark.

“You can make emotional electric cars, and we are just at the beginning of that.”