Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s identity still lives in the sound, power, and emotion of combustion engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to keep them for at least another decade before fully embracing electric vehicles.
Hybrids take priority
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said enthusiasm for electric cars is slowing. He sees this as an opportunity to focus on hybrid technology that balances performance and emotion.
Within weeks, Lamborghini will decide whether its upcoming grand tourer, the Lanzador, will launch as a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann said the company acts responsibly but highlighted that its low-volume production limits its environmental impact.
Supercars designed for passion
Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen Group, currently produces three main models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars combining powerful petrol engines with electric motors. They can drive short distances on electricity but are built for speed, sound, and thrill.
The Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury SUV, is available as both a plug-in hybrid and a petrol version. Less extravagant than the supercars, it still represents over half of the company’s global sales.
At the top of the range sits the Fenomeno. With a top speed above 215 mph, only 30 will be made, each costing at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric ambitions put on hold
Two years ago, Lamborghini planned an all-electric successor to the Urus for 2029. That project has been delayed, with the model not expected before 2035.
The Lanzador, initially conceived as fully electric, is also under review. Winkelmann said the company may pivot to a hybrid version instead.
“Today, enthusiasm for electric cars is going down,” he said. “We see a major opportunity to keep combustion engines and battery systems working together longer than expected.”
Emotion drives the brand
Winkelmann insists combustion engines remain central to Lamborghini’s identity. “Our customers still want the sound, vibration, and emotion of a petrol engine,” he said.
This contrasts with Ferrari, which plans to launch its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari says the new car will preserve its signature driving passion — even without the engine’s roar.
Responsible but realistic
Winkelmann said Lamborghini recognises the global push to reduce emissions but maintains perspective on its limited impact. “We sell 10,000 cars in a world producing 80 million each year, so our CO₂ footprint is small,” he explained.
He added, “We are socially responsible, but our influence is modest.”
From 2035, both the EU and UK will ban new petrol and diesel cars, including plug-in hybrids. However, some manufacturers are lobbying for more time to address industrial and economic challenges.
If rules change, combustion engines could remain beyond 2035. The UK also allows low-volume manufacturers producing fewer than 2,500 cars annually to continue. Lamborghini, which sold 795 cars in the UK last year, qualifies for that exemption.
