The shift towards electric vehicles is not only taking place on the road but is now making its way into the workshops at Bentley Motors. The British manufacturer has just unveiled a new range of workwear, designed specifically to support the evolution of its production lines as it prepares to launch its very first fully electric model.
Workshops that are changing… and equipment that keeps pace
In a press release issued in mid-April, Bentley Motors announced the roll-out of a new generation of workwear, designed specifically to support the transition of its production lines to electric vehicles.
This new uniform is directly linked to the technical requirements brought about by electromobility. Indeed, with the widespread introduction of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries in factories, new risks are emerging. Bentley has therefore developed clothing that complies with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) standards, for use in so-called ‘electrostatically protected’ environments. The aim is clear: to prevent any electrical discharge that could damage sensitive electronic components or pose a risk to people.
If we’re to get into the technical details, the press release reveals that these garments feature:
- carbon-based conductive fibres capable of dissipating static electricity,
- a lighter, more flexible and ergonomic design, tailored to operators’ new movements,
- increased durability, to meet the demands of an increasingly technical industrial environment,
The British manufacturer also explains that this equipment incorporates an environmental dimension. It is designed using materials sourced responsibly, and its life cycle has been redesigned to minimise waste, including end-of-life recycling solutions.
A £2.5 billion industrial transformation
This shift is part of a much broader plan. Bentley has announced a massive investment of £2.5 billion over ten years to transform its historic Crewe site and accelerate its transition to electric vehicles. The programme aims to turn the British factory into a production hub dedicated to luxury electric vehicles, whilst modernising the existing infrastructure.
With these investments, Bentley has confirmed that its first fully electric model will be produced in the UK – a powerful symbol for the brand’s enthusiasts, despite the industrial challenges associated with electrification that all European manufacturers, in particular, are facing.
The first electric model is expected as early as 2026
But the reason Bentley has recently announced these new overalls for its mechanics is that its very first fully electric vehicle is set to be launched before the end of 2026.
Although not all of its features have been revealed, according to several corroborating reports, it could be named the Bentley Barnato, in reference to Woolf Barnato, an iconic figure in the brand’s history. This future model is expected to be a luxury SUV, a segment that is now a key player in the premium market.
According to various industry experts, the design is expected to draw inspiration from the recently unveiled EXP 15 concept, which offers a glimpse of what Bentley’s future electric design might look like: clean, taut lines, a distinctive lighting signature and a positioning that remains firmly at the very top of the market.
An adjusted but unchanged electricity strategy
Initially, like many European car manufacturers, Bentley aimed to fully electrify its range by the third decade of this century. However, like other manufacturers, the brand has recently revised its timeline to 2035.
Some electric vehicle projects have been postponed, demonstrating that the transition from the ultra-luxury segment to a fully electric range remains complex. However, the strategy remains unchanged. Bentley has confirmed the launch of its first electric model as early as 2026, with a gradual ramp-up in the following years.
A transformation that goes beyond the product
With this new generation of workwear, Bentley is sending a strong message: the transition to electric vehicles is not limited to the launch of a new model. It involves a comprehensive transformation, with the entire value chain evolving, from vehicle design right through to the production workshops.
As 2026 approaches, Bentley is doing everything it can to prepare for the launch of its first fully electric vehicle, so that it can compete with other manufacturers in this premium segment.
