Everything You Need to Know About Rolls-Royce’s New EV

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced Project Nightingale, a luxury two seat EV that will be limited to 100 models and available to clients by invitation only. 

The vehicle is modelled on Rolls-Royce prototype models from the 1920s and offers customers a near silent driving experience. 

The release of the new EV comes after the BMW Group owned brand scrapped its commitment to produce all electric vehicles by 2030, amid changing legislation and shrinking sales of its flagship EV, the Spectre. 

The new Project Nightingale

The two seat Project Nightingale features a fully electric drivetrain that delivers a near silent open-top experience. At 5.76 metres in length, it features 24-inch wheels, which are the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce.

It is Rolls-Royce's first car in its Coachbuild Collection which the company describes as vehicles “conceived for the most discerning and design-literate clients in the world”. 

Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, says: “Some of the most discerning Rolls-Royce clients in the world asked us for our most ambitious work. 

“We responded by bringing three things together that have never coexisted within our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring – an experience that only this technology makes possible. 

How was it designed?

The car is modelled on high-speed experimental Rolls-Royces of the 1920s. These cars were known as EX models and fitted with red badges, which Project Nightingale is also fitted with. Two of these prototypes were a particular focus: 16EX and 17EX.

Domagoj Dukec, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, says: “Project Nightingale is built on the design principles that define this marque at its most compelling, grand proportions, absolute surface discipline and a clarity of line that rewards the closest attention.

“And yet, it takes them somewhere entirely new. For me, this landmark motor car feels both inevitable and completely unexpected, and it will shape everything that follows.”

When can you buy it?

Rolls-Royce said in a statement that while its “creative vision” was resolved, there are a small number of design details that remain which demand entirely new manufacturing techniques that are currently under development.

When the vehicle is available commercially, most people will still be unable to buy one of the 100 models, as Rolls-Royce says that entry to its Coachbuild Collection is by invitation only. 

For the clients that are invited, deliveries will begin in 2028. Rolls-Royce said that these clients are participating in a “multi-year programme of gatherings and moments” as well as "private events in the world's most desirable destinations".

Scrapping EV commitment

Rolls-Royce has scrapped a commitment set by former CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös to produce all-electric vehicles by 2030. 

According to BMW Group’s 2025 Report, deliveries of the luxury carmakers flagship EV, the Spectre, were down 47% to 1,002 units, compared to 1,890 units in 2024.

Rolls-Royce’s current CEO, Chris Brownridge, told the Times that the pledge made by Torsten was “right at the time” but said “the legislation has changed. That prediction was based on a different set of circumstances”.

Chris added: “Some clients do want an electric vehicle, we build what is ordered.”