Lamborghini CEO: “Wrong Time for Full EV,” Lanzador to Launch as Plug-in Hybrid Instead

Lamborghini Shifts Gears: Lanzador to Launch as Plug-in Hybrid, CEO Cites “Wrong Time for a Full EV”

Lamborghini is rethinking its highly anticipated entry into the all-electric market. The Lanzador, initially revealed as the brand’s first zero-emission “Ultra GT,” will now launch as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), abandoning its full EV powertrain. CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed this strategic shift, stating that customers don’t yet see EVs as a viable alternative for high-performance cars “today,” making it “the wrong time for a full EV.” This pragmatic move prioritizes continuity and customer expectations, especially amid slowing global EV demand and Lamborghini’s success with hybrid models like the Urus SE and Revuelto.

Lanzador’s Pivot: From Full EV to Plug-in Hybrid

Lamborghini’s first electric concept is undergoing a significant powertrain transformation before its production debut.

• Initial Vision: Two years ago, the Lanzador concept was introduced as a high-riding 2+2 “Ultra GT,” intended to be the brand’s first fully electric vehicle.
• The Shift: Recent statements from Lamborghini executives indicate a change in strategy. The production version of the Lanzador is now slated to feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup, akin to the Urus SE and the Revuelto flagship supercar.
• Reasons for the Pivot:
  • Customer Sentiment: CEO Stephan Winkelmann explained to Auto Express that for Lamborghini’s type of cars, customers “don’t see [EV] as an alternative today.”
  • Market Dynamics: The company also cited slowing global demand for electric vehicles and the strong market success of its current hybrid offerings.
  • Performance Expectations: Lamborghini recognizes that its clientele has specific performance expectations that a full EV, at this current time, might not fully meet.
• Timeline: While a final decision on the Lanzador’s powertrain, due in 2029, is pending, the current direction is strongly hybrid-focused.

Winkelmann Confirms Cautious Hybrid Strategy

Lamborghini’s CEO emphasized a cautious approach, pushing a full EV launch further into the future.

• Premature Launch: Winkelmann believes that launching a full EV now would be “premature” and the “wrong offer for the next years, for Lamborghini.”
• Flattening EV Adoption: He noted that the flattening EV adoption curve is “even more” noticeable for niche, high-performance brands like Lamborghini.
• Priority: For now, the company’s focus remains on refining its hybrid technology and achieving CO2 emission reductions across its entire lineup. This pragmatic move aims to ensure continuity and deliver products that align with immediate customer demands and market realities.

Contrasting Paths: Lamborghini vs. Ferrari

Lamborghini’s cautious approach stands in stark contrast to its fierce Italian rival, Ferrari.

• Ferrari’s Full EV Push: Ferrari is confidently moving ahead with its electrification plans, preparing to launch its first all-electric model next year. The Prancing Horse recently offered a first look at the “Elettrica,” revealing early technical details that suggest it aims to set a benchmark for electric performance cars.
• Lamborghini’s “Own Terms”: While Ferrari embraces full EVs, Lamborghini, a brand built on the legacy of raw V12s and aggressive design, will continue to explore electrification on its “own terms,” with its true first EV pushed further into the next decade. This strategic divergence highlights different interpretations of the luxury performance market’s readiness for a full electric transition.

Lamborghini’s decision reflects a calculated move to prioritize current customer preferences and market realities, ensuring that its transition to electrification is gradual and aligns with the brand’s core identity and performance ethos.

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