Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s identity still thrives on the roar, power, and emotion of petrol engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to continue using them for at least another decade before fully embracing electric vehicles.
Hybrids take centre stage
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said interest in electric cars is slowing. He sees this as an opportunity to focus on hybrid technology that combines performance with 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 while the company acts responsibly, its low-volume production limits its environmental impact.
Supercars designed for thrill
Lamborghini, part of 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 run short distances on electricity but remain built for speed, sound, and excitement.
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 represents over 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 produced, each costing at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric ambitions on pause
Two years ago, Lamborghini planned an all-electric successor to the Urus for 2029. That project has now been delayed, with the model not expected before 2035.
The Lanzador, initially 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 major opportunity to keep combustion engines and battery systems working together longer than expected.”
Emotion remains central
Winkelmann insists combustion engines define Lamborghini’s identity. “Our customers still want the sound, vibration, and emotion of a petrol engine,” he said.
This contrasts with Ferrari, which plans to launch its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari promises the car will maintain its signature driving passion — even without the engine’s roar.
Responsibility within 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 each year, so our CO₂ footprint is small,” he explained.
He added, “We are socially responsible, but our influence is limited.”
From 2035, new petrol and diesel cars — including plug-in hybrids — will be banned across the EU and UK. Some manufacturers are lobbying for more time to reflect industrial and economic realities.
If rules shift, 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.
