Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s essence still depends on the sound, thrill, 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 centre stage
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said enthusiasm for electric cars is cooling. He sees this as an opportunity to focus on hybrid technology that combines performance and emotion.
Within weeks, Lamborghini will decide whether its upcoming grand tourer, the Lanzador, will be fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann stressed that the company acts responsibly but noted that its low-volume production limits its environmental impact.
Supercars built for passion
Lamborghini, owned by the Volkswagen Group, currently produces three main models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars pairing 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 sold as both a plug-in hybrid and a petrol model. Less flashy than the supercars, it still accounts for more than half of Lamborghini’s total 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 plans take a back seat
Two years ago, Lamborghini planned an all-electric successor to the Urus for 2029. That project has now been delayed, with the model expected no earlier than 2035.
The Lanzador, initially conceived as a fully electric grand tourer, 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 much longer than expected.”
Emotion remains central
Winkelmann insists that combustion engines define Lamborghini’s identity. “Our customers still want the sound, vibration, and emotion of a petrol engine,” he said.
This differs from Ferrari, which plans to unveil its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari promises the new car will retain its signature driving spirit — even without the engine’s roar.
Responsibility with perspective
Winkelmann said Lamborghini recognises the push to reduce emissions but keeps its scale in perspective. “We sell 10,000 cars in a world producing 80 million annually, so our CO₂ impact is small,” he explained.
He added, “We are socially responsible, but our influence is limited.”
From 2035, the EU and UK will ban new petrol and diesel cars, including plug-in hybrids. Some manufacturers are lobbying for more time to reflect industrial and economic realities.
If the rules change, combustion engines could remain beyond 2035. The UK also allows low-volume manufacturers producing fewer than 2,500 vehicles annually to continue. Lamborghini, which sold 795 cars in the UK last year, qualifies for that exemption.
