Lamborghini’s boss says the company’s fans still want the passion, power, and sound of petrol engines. The iconic Italian brand plans to keep them alive for at least another ten years.
Shifting focus from electric to hybrid
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, chief executive Stephan Winkelmann explained that enthusiasm for electric cars is fading. He sees this as a moment to double down on hybrid power rather than move entirely to electric models.
The company will decide within weeks whether the much-anticipated Lanzador will become a fully electric grand tourer or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann stressed that Lamborghini acts responsibly but admitted that, as a low-volume producer, its impact on global emissions remains limited.
Legendary cars with hybrid hearts
Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen Group, currently produces three main models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars that mix powerful petrol engines with electric motors. They can drive short distances using only electricity but focus mainly on performance.
The Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury SUV, is available as a plug-in hybrid and a traditional petrol version. Though more understated than the supercars, it represents more than half of the company’s global sales.
For collectors, the Fenomeno pushes exclusivity to new levels. This limited-edition supercar reaches more than 215 mph, with only 30 cars being built. Each costs at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric ambitions on hold
Two years ago, Lamborghini promised an all-electric successor to the Urus by 2029. That plan has now been delayed until at least 2035.
The future of the Lanzador is also uncertain. Winkelmann said Lamborghini must decide whether to stick with its original all-electric idea or pivot to a hybrid model.
He pointed to waning excitement among luxury buyers. “Today, enthusiasm for electric cars is going down,” he said. “We see a big opportunity to keep internal combustion engines and batteries together longer than expected.”
Emotion wins over silence
Winkelmann insists that combustion engines will remain central to Lamborghini’s identity. He believes customers still crave the emotion and thrill that electric cars can’t replicate. “They still want the sound and the feeling of a combustion engine,” he said.
This strategy sets Lamborghini apart from Ferrari, which is preparing to launch its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari promises the new car will deliver the same spirit and excitement as its traditional models — without the roar.
Balancing passion with responsibility
Winkelmann said Lamborghini remains aware of environmental concerns but emphasised its limited role in global emissions. “We sell 10,000 cars in a world that produces 80 million each year, so our CO₂ impact is minimal,” he explained.
He added, “We act responsibly, but our scale means our influence is small.”
From 2035, new petrol and diesel cars — including plug-in hybrids — will be banned in the EU and the UK. However, many manufacturers are pushing for a slower transition, arguing that the global situation demands more time.
If approved, combustion engines could remain available beyond the 2035 deadline. In the UK, small manufacturers producing under 2,500 cars annually will continue to be exempt. Lamborghini, which sold just 795 cars in the UK last year, easily fits within that category.
