Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s identity still depends on the sound, power, and emotion of combustion engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to use them for at least another decade before fully switching to electric.
Hybrids lead the way
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 combines emotion and performance.
The company will decide within weeks whether its upcoming grand tourer, the Lanzador, will be fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann stressed that Lamborghini acts responsibly but noted that its low-volume production limits its environmental impact.
Supercars designed for thrill
Lamborghini, owned by the Volkswagen Group, currently offers three main models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars combining powerful petrol engines with electric motors. They can run short distances on electricity but are built for speed and emotion.
The Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury SUV, is available as both a plug-in hybrid and a petrol model. Less extravagant than the supercars, it still generates over half of the company’s total sales.
The Fenomeno represents the pinnacle of exclusivity. With a top speed above 215 mph, only 30 will be produced, each costing at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric ambitions delayed
Two years ago, Lamborghini planned an all-electric successor to the Urus for 2029. That project has now been postponed until at least 2035.
The Lanzador, originally designed 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 drives Lamborghini
Winkelmann insists combustion engines remain central to the brand’s identity. “Our customers still want the sound, the vibration, and the emotion of a petrol engine,” he said.
This differs from Ferrari, which plans to launch its first fully electric car, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari promises the new model will maintain its signature passion — even without the roar of an engine.
Responsible but realistic
Winkelmann said Lamborghini acknowledges the need to reduce emissions but recognises its limited scale. “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 overall influence is limited.”
From 2035, both the EU and UK will ban new petrol and diesel cars, including plug-in hybrids. Yet some manufacturers are lobbying for a slower transition to address industrial and economic challenges.
If the rules change, combustion engines could remain beyond 2035. The UK will also allow low-volume manufacturers producing fewer than 2,500 cars annually to continue. Lamborghini, which sold 795 vehicles in the UK last year, qualifies for that exemption.
