Aston Martin boss: We’ll keep making engines until they say stop

AM to delay big EV switch

In the last couple of years, there has been a lot of chatter about automakers going electric. Many automakers have made bold claims about scaling up their hybrid and EV models whilst scaling back their internal combustion models. By sometime in the next decade, some say they will completely be phasing out their combustion engine lineup.

That won’t be the case for Aston Martin, as told by Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll to Autocar UK.

Aston Martin has been planning to reveal an EV model sometime next year, but now it seems it won’t happen. Stroll said that there is more hype than demand for EVs with Aston Martin customers. In fact, he says that AM customers still prefer internal combustion because of the sensory appeal: sounds and smells.

It is quite well known that Aston Martin -like any other luxury automaker- has been investing and developing EV architecture in anticipation of the “big switch”. As is common with many platforms, the one Aston Martin has been working on will be will be scalable depending on the need. The vehicles that will use that platform will include a grand tourer, a larger SUV, a smaller crossover, as well as a supercar that will deliver a mid-engined experience; as to how that last one will work, we have yet to learn more.

For now, Aston Martin will be rededicating their efforts and investment into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with their sportscars like what Ferrari and McLaren are doing. Stroll says PHEV technology isn’t just a bridging one; a sensible decision given the sentiments of their customer base.

So yes, Aston Martin will make engines until told to stop by legislation. For the next few years Stroll says Aston Martin will have an extensive offering that makes use of PHEV technology to satisfy the customer desire for internal combustion, whilst delivering the torque and lower emissions of electric drive. Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman expects that it is in the luxury SUV sector that EVs will find the biggest success.