Lamborghini's First EV Could Become A Hybrid Instead
Revealed in 2023 as a concept, the Lamborghini Lanzador was meant to be Sant'Agata's first all-electric production car, and at the time, the automaker intended for it to enter production in 2028. Not long ago, that timeline was extended by a year, and now it seems that Lamborghini may not even launch an EV, if recent comments by CEO Stephan Winkelmann are anything to go by.
'We took two decisions so far based on the fact that the acceptance curve of the electric cars worldwide and globally, not only in our type of segment, is flattening, and this is even more true for our type [of cars],' said Winkelmann, speaking with Australia's CarExpert. 'The first decision is that Urus replacement would be, again, a plug-in hybrid, and that we postpone the launch of the fourth [model].' Winkelmann went on to say that Lamborghini has to decide which way to go for the Lanzador soon, saying that 'it's possible' the smaller-than-Urus concept will also become a PHEV.
Lamborghini Is Keeping Its Options Open
For a company specializing in small-volume vehicles, introducing an all-electric vehicle to an unreceptive market could be a huge waste of time, energy, money, and brand value. As he said when the Lanzador was first unveiled, Winkelmann reiterated that Lamborghini does not need to be among the first to sell an EV, 'but we need to be there when the people are ready to buy these things,' he said, adding that 'this is paramount for the success of a company like ours.'
Similar sentiments were uttered by Bugatti-Rimac CEO, Mate Rimac, who was adamant the former brand needed a big engine in its Chiron successor when he took over and told Autocar last year that the latter brand may not make another electric hypercar because of weak demand. Wealthy buyers simply aren't that interested in EVs, say CEOs, but they will be, and introducing the right sort of EV for this market at the right time will be critical to long-term success.
Combustion To Remain As Long As Possible
Source: Lamborghini
Mr. Winkelmann commented on the promise of sustainable fuels that could keep the internal combustion engine feasible for many years to come, calling this area of innovation 'a huge opportunity,' adding that Lamborghini will retain combustion in 'the two supercars' – Temerario and Revuelto – as long as possible. As other automakers have noted, this is about more than just performance, with the powertrain also affecting 'emotion' and residual values.
Lamborghini is happy to keep delaying its all-electric vehicle, perhaps indefinitely, until it sees market research that suggests such a thing would sell in reasonably profitable numbers, reflecting an industry-wide sentiment. Bentley's first EV was recently delayed, and Ferrari is slowing its entries to the segment too, with both of them adding more hybrid options to their lineups. Porsche didn't wait with the Macan Electric, but it is now rumored to be considering reviving the combustion-powered variant.
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