‘Solar Panels, Plant Walls, and Even Honeybees’... Bentley Factory Already Carbon Neutral

Bentley Resolves Most Factory Operations with Solar Power
Honeybees Increased from 150,000 in 2019 to 1 Million Now

The recent buzz in the complete vehicle industry is carbon neutrality and electrification. Carbon neutrality is considered an essential task not only for complete vehicle manufacturers worldwide but also for all industries. This is because reducing greenhouse gases is necessary to prevent climate change such as global warming and to ensure sustainability. Electrification is an element linked to this.

Bentley Motors Crew factory exterior. Solar panels are densely installed on the factory roof and other areas. Photo by Bentley Motors

Employees met last month at Bentley Motors' Crewe plant in the UK were confident about carbon neutrality and electrification. Bentley has invested in various fields for sustainability, including solar power, water resources, and cultivating plants and honeybees. They also have a clear goal of preserving the value of luxury cars by incorporating over 100 years of history into their electric vehicles.

Bentley’s carbon neutrality is nearly complete. The Crewe plant already received carbon neutrality certification in 2019. Currently, all electricity needed for the car production process is supplied through eco-friendly renewable energy generation such as solar power within the plant. The roofs and parking lots of the Bentley plant are filled with solar panels. Overall, the plant produces 85% of the electricity it requires on its own. The number of solar panels is 30,000 and is planned to expand to 40,000 in the future.

Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, Bentley Motors CFO, is answering questions from reporters. Photo by Bentley Motors

It’s not just electricity. Water resources are also recycled. Bentley introduced a water resource recycling and supply system called a 'reverse osmosis treatment device' at the Crewe plant. This device filters and recycles pollutants from water used in the paint finishing process.

In addition, various activities for carbon neutrality have been carried out. Living plant walls have been installed throughout the factory walls. These plants produce oxygen and serve as natural insulation. They are also directly raising honeybees, which play an important role in maintaining natural ecosystems, with the number reaching one million this year.

When passing by the Bentley Motors Crewe factory in the UK, you can see a plant wall. This wall, called a Living Green Wall, not only produces more than 40kg of oxygen annually but also acts as a natural insulator, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Photo by Bentley Motors

Jan-Henrik Lafrentz, Bentley Motors CFO, said, "Most of the investments made so far have been used to achieve carbon neutrality at the plant," adding, "Currently, we are focusing investments on the development of electrified vehicles." He continued, "The most difficult and time- and cost-consuming task is achieving carbon neutrality across the entire supply chain beyond our plant."

They are preparing for electrification but not rushing. Rolls-Royce, one of the leading luxury car brands, has already unveiled the electric Spectre and plans to deliver it domestically starting in the fourth quarter of this year. In contrast, Bentley plans to introduce an electric vehicle in 2025 and begin mass production only in 2026. Although this seems late, Bentley aims to release an electric vehicle that fully embodies the values they pursue.

Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications Officer of Bentley Motors, explaining the company to reporters. Photo by Bentley Motors

Wayne Bruce, Bentley’s Chief Communications Officer, said, "The electric vehicle will have a driving range as long as the current internal combustion engine models," adding, "Our first electric vehicle is delayed because we want to present a completed electric vehicle with the same performance and driving range as internal combustion engines, not an unfinished one."

Bentley expects the value of luxury cars to continue in the electrification era. CFO Lafrentz said, "Luxury brands cannot survive without heritage," adding, "Bentley’s history of over 100 years is a true asset that other brands do not have." He emphasized, "Bentley will remain Bentley even in the electrification era."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.