Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s soul remains tied to the roar and emotion of petrol engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to keep them for at least another decade before fully going electric.
Hybrids over full electrics
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said enthusiasm for electric cars is slowing. He sees this as a chance to focus on hybrid technology that balances performance and emotion.
The company will soon decide whether its upcoming grand tourer, the Lanzador, will be fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann said Lamborghini acts responsibly but noted that, as a low-volume manufacturer, its environmental impact is limited.
Performance with passion
Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen Group, currently produces three main models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars that pair powerful petrol engines with electric motors. They can run short distances on electricity but remain focused on speed and thrill.
The Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury SUV, comes as both a plug-in hybrid and a petrol model. It may appear more practical than the supercars, but it represents over half of the company’s sales.
At the top of the range sits the Fenomeno, a limited-edition supercar reaching more than 215 mph. Only 30 will ever be built, with each costing at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric ambitions 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, originally designed 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 strong opportunity to keep combustion engines and batteries working together longer than expected.”
Emotion remains key
Winkelmann insists that the sound, power, and thrill of petrol engines define Lamborghini. “Our customers still want the sound, the vibration, and the emotion of a combustion engine,” he said.
This contrasts with Ferrari, which plans to launch its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari promises it will maintain its distinctive driving passion — even without the engine’s roar.
Responsibility within perspective
Winkelmann said Lamborghini recognises the importance of reducing emissions but emphasises its limited scale. “We sell 10,000 cars in a world that produces 80 million each year, so our CO₂ impact is small,” he explained.
He added, “We are socially responsible, but our influence is modest.”
From 2035, both the EU and UK plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars, including plug-in hybrids. Yet some manufacturers are lobbying for a slower transition due to industrial and economic pressures.
If regulations shift, combustion engines could remain available beyond 2035. The UK will also allow 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.
