Revving Up the Future: Lamborghini’s Plan to Retain Internal Combustion Engines Amid Declining Electric Enthusiasm

Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, reveals that the iconic luxury sports car maker is committed to the internal combustion engine (ICE) for at least the next decade, as there’s a lingering demand for ”the sound and the emotion” these engines provide. In an interview with the BBC, Winkelmann noted a decline in excitement for electric vehicles (EVs), suggesting that Lamborghini can focus on hybrid technology instead.

The company is faced with a pivotal decision regarding its future model, the Lanzador, which could either be all-electric or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann emphasizes that Lamborghini is socially responsible but points out that as a low-volume manufacturer, its impact on the environment is minimal. Currently, Lamborghini offers three primary models: the Temerario and Revuelto (both supercars that feature hybrid engines) and the Urus, a luxury SUV available as a conventional petrol vehicle and a plug-in hybrid. The latter type has proven to be a best-seller, accounting for over half of Lamborghini’s sales.

Plans for an all-electric Urus have been postponed, pushing the timeline to possibly 2035 rather than 2029, and the development of the Lanzador remains uncertain. Winkelmann pointed out that maintaining ICE for another decade is vital for the company’s success, as customers still yearn for the visceral experience of traditional engine sounds. This strategy contrasts sharply with Ferrari, its Italian competitor, which is advancing towards an all-electric model called the Elettrica. Winkelmann acknowledges the pressures of emission regulations but argues that Lamborghini’s limited production numbers render their CO2 footprint relatively insignificant. With the impending ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in the EU and the UK, and a potential exemption for low-volume manufacturers like Lamborghini, the company’s unique position may allow it to continue producing ICE vehicles longer than anticipated.