King Charles is taking significant strides toward his net zero ambitions by converting two Bentley state cars to run on biofuels, with plans to transition to electric vehicles in the future.
Starting next year, the Royal fleet will see two of its Bentleys modified to operate exclusively on biofuels. This initiative aligns with the recent financial report of the Royal Household, which disclosed an additional £45 million in funding for the fiscal year 2025-26, attributed to increased profits from six new offshore wind farms.
The Royal fleet includes two advanced Bentley State Limousines, originally presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee in 2002. These vehicles boast robust security features, such as blast-resistant cabins and air-tight sealing capabilities in case of a gas attack.
Sponsored by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the vehicles were delivered to the Royal Family on May 29, 2022, honoring the late Queen's service and showcasing British manufacturing excellence. Initially designed to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to enhance range and reduce emissions, these Bentleys also feature reinforced Kevlar tires for emergency durability and high-speed performance.
Sir Michael Stevens, keeper of the privy purse, described the biofuel conversion as "small steps" but emphasized its "significant impact" on reducing carbon emissions. He mentioned that the refurbishment of the State Bentleys to accommodate biofuel will take place in the coming year. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the next generation of State vehicles being fully electric, as reported by The Times.
