Rolls-Royce drivers not so much into electric vehicles

Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce, arguably the most iconic of classic luxury marques, has stepped into the electric vehicle waters with its 102EX Concept. According to Rolls-Royce chief executive officer, Torsten Müller-Öetvös, this battery-powered machine was created to help the automaker "[find] clarity on which technology may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future."

Well, according to Automotive News (sub. req.), electric tech doesn't quite suit the tastes of most Rolls-Royce customers. Müller-Ötvös told AN that Rolls-Royce has been showing customers its 102 EX Concept to get opinions on whether or not the automaker should produce such a vehicle and Rolls-Royce customers were none too thrilled with the battery-powered sedan. Müller-Ötvös told AN that since most Rolls-Royce buyers live on the outskirts of major cities, an electric vehicle's 100-mile range could be an issue.

Out with the electric, in with the hybrid. Müller-Ötvös closed the interview with AN, stating, "Let's wait and see what our customers are telling us, but hybrids have a certain capability to deliver both electric driving combined with a normal combustion engine, and that might be a solution."