As Bentley moves beyond its centennial mark, it continues to steer towards a more sustainable future, with the recent introduction of a 317-gallon biofuel tank at its Crewe factory. This move came after a successful performance trial at the famed Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Bentley’s range demonstrated its compatibility with renewable fuel.
Unlike first-generation biofuels, which utilize food crops, Bentley’s second-generation biofuel is a game-changer. It uses waste products such as agriculture and forestry waste and food industry by-products. Bentley’s commitment to sustainability is displayed as the biofuel delivers an estimated 85 percent reduction in CO2 impact compared to conventional gasoline.
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In addition to reducing carbon footprint, the use of second-generation biofuel conforms to the EN228 global standard for gasoline. This implies a seamless replacement for standard pump fuel, without any need for engine modifications. Every Bentley ever built, from the 1920 EXP2 to the latest models, will run just as powerfully and smoothly on the second-generation biofuel as on standard gasoline.
Bentley’s commitment to sustainability is a core aspect of its ‘Beyond100’ strategy. The company aims to switch entirely to plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicles by 2026 and fully electric vehicles only by 2030. However, Bentley also cares about its rich history and the longevity of past models, with an estimated 84 percent of all Bentleys ever built still running today.
For these older models, the implementation of second-generation biofuel symbolizes a significant step toward a sustainable future. Even the Bentley Heritage Collection, an unbroken chain of Bentley production models from across its 104-year history kept at the Crewe site, will utilize this renewable fuel.
Crewe factory’s transition to biofuel usage underscores Bentley’s broader efforts towards sustainability. The factory was the first luxury automotive factory in the UK to be certified carbon-neutral by the Carbon Trust in 2018. By 2030, the company aims to transform Crewe into a ‘climate-positive factory’, actively reducing levels of carbon in the atmosphere.
Bentley’s shift to biofuels signifies a significant milestone in the luxury car industry’s sustainability drive. It encapsulates a dedication to both the planet and the preservation of its iconic vehicle lineup. The adoption of renewable fuels and reduction of carbon footprints pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. This commitment to sustainability marks Bentley’s continual evolution as it drives into its second century.
Sources: Bentley
