As fuel prices rise car buyers are shooting down prototype electric cars and insisting that engines aren’t downsized. It is a well known thing that Rolls-Royce buyers expect a certain level of performance and prestige from their motor cars. Rolls CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes has been quoted saying, “Customers tell us, ‘Do not mess with the 12-cylinder engine.’ It is their Holy Grail, and they love it.”

In 2011 the 102EX Electric Phantom Concept  was previewed by the company and Rolls Royce owners didnt really love the concept. Over 500 customers viewed the car, and the majority felt that an eight-hour charge time and a range of 120 miles were unacceptable. The model never made it to production because of negative feedback.

Rolls-Royce isn’t exactly ignoring the issue of fuel economy. Mueller-Oetvoes clarified that, “I can imagine something that combines electric and combustion engines, like a plug-in hybrid. We do not yet have any plans in our hands, but it is something we are currently looking into.” One thing is for sure Rolls-Royce buyers clearly prefer tradition over technology.

via motorauthority