Aston Martin's Chairman, Lawrence Stroll, has confirmed that the luxury car manufacturer is on track to release its first-ever series-production battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in 2026. Stroll's statement, reported by Autocar, suggests that Aston Martin is not heavily prioritizing electric vehicles (EVs) but instead focusing on plug-in hybrids.
During an interview, Stroll revealed that there is not a significant demand for BEVs among Aston Martin's customer base. However, he assured that the forthcoming battery-powered Aston Martin will be an entirely new product built on a fresh platform, rather than simply retrofitting batteries into an existing design. Chief Creative Officer Mark Reichman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Aston Martin's BEV will be distinct from any previous models.
Although specific details about the platform remain undisclosed, Aston Martin's technical chief, Roberto Fedeli, confirmed that the company is pursuing an independent direction for their electric technology. Contrary to some speculation about a potential collaboration with Chinese car group Geely, which recently increased its stake in Aston Martin, Fedeli emphasized that Aston Martin has its own unique roadmap for electric vehicles.
Regarding plug-in hybrids, Stroll believes that the technology will remain relevant well into the 2030s. Aston Martin's first plug-in hybrid model, the Valhalla, is expected to be available for purchase by the end of next year.
While Aston Martin previously utilized a Toyota iQ platform for the creation of the Cygnet—a city car aimed at reducing the brand's average carbon dioxide emissions—there is speculation that a similar partnership with Mercedes-Benz could yield a rebadged and slightly reengineered EV. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding this possibility.
Stroll has ambitious plans to produce at least 10,000 vehicles annually with the help of Aston Martin's new lineup, all of which will be made-to-order and subject to an 18-24-month waiting list. He envisions Aston Martin as the epitome of ultra-luxury combined with high performance, incorporating marketing and technology derived from Formula 1. With the upcoming releases, Aston Martin aims to solidify its position as a prominent player in the luxury car market.
