Iconic British car brand splashes out £300m on Goodwood-based plant as they line up release of second EV in 2025
ROLLS-Royce are gearing up for their all-electric future by splashing out on an upgrade to their Goodwood facility ahead of the release of their second EV.
The luxury carmaker has revealed a £300m investment has been made into its manufacturing plant at Goodwood, located near Chichester, West Sussex.
The plant, which serves as Rolls-Royce’s headquarters and design, manufacturing, and assembly centre, received the largest cash injection since it opened in 2003.
RR said: “The extension will create additional space for the increasingly complex and high-value Bespoke and Coachbuild projects sought by clients who define luxury as something deeply personal to them.
“It will also prepare the manufacturing facility for the marque’s transition to an all-battery-electric-vehicle future.”
The iconic British brand is also readying its second EV that’s set to be launched later this year.
Their current and only all-electric motor so far is the Spectre, which was revealed in 2022, and sits alongside their petrol-powered Phantom, Ghost and Cullinan.
Any other info on the upcoming release is merely speculation, but Autoexpress suggests that, given that the Spectre is a coupe, the next all-electric release could be an alternative to the Phantom limousine or the Cullinan SUV.
Naturally, the new Rolls-Royce will boast the familiar Architecture of Luxury platform which is exclusive to the much-loved manufacturer and has been used for all of their current models, as well as the Spectre.
A third EV is allegedly coming in 2028 to replace the flagship Phantom, although this, again, is merely a rumour.
Under BMW’s corporate umbrella, which it has been a part of since 2003, Rolls-Royce has flourished and expanded, going from around 300 employees who made only one car per day to more than 2,500 who assemble approximately 25 vehicles daily.
This comes as US giants Dodge are set to release an electric version of the famous Charger – which could even be available to buy in the UK.
The new Charger will be offered in Europe through importers, and could even make its way to these fair shores – with interest in the EV’s availability already registered should there be an allocation.
Naturally, those made available to buy in the UK will be left-hand drive only.
Elsewhere, a micro EV is coming to a showroom near you with a £15,000 price tag and it could shake up the cheap electric car market.
The little-known Hong Kong brand XEV is introducing its compact Yoyo Pro to the UK, poised to compete with models such as the Citroen Ami.
Technically classed as a quadricycle – the same as other L7e vehicles such as buggies and quad-bikes – the Yoyo Pro is all electric with a stonking 50 mph top speed and a range of 93 miles.
Created in Italy and made of just 57 components, the Yoyo Pro makes extensive use of 3D-printing for its bodywork and cabin.
Inside, it features a large window area that’s designed to give the impression of spaciousness, with their website highlighting it as their “Tesla-style roof” that allows in plenty of light.
Electric windows and mirrors, as well as air conditioning, all come as standard, along with keyless entry and start, and a stylish 10-inch touchscreen.