Lamborghini has cancelled plans to build the Lanzador, its first all-electric vehicle, CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed Friday, opting instead to focus on plug-in hybrid models. The decision marks a significant shift for the Italian automaker, which had previously presented the Lanzador as a key component of its future strategy.
Winkelmann told the British publication The Times that developing battery-electric vehicles risked becoming an “expensive hobby” for the brand. He cited a lack of customer demand, describing the “acceptance curve” for EVs within Lamborghini’s target market as “flattening.” According to Winkelmann, customers value the “emotional experience” of driving a Lamborghini, including the sound and feel of the internal combustion engine, qualities he believes current EV technology struggles to replicate.
The Lanzador concept, unveiled in August 2023, was intended to be a 2+2 grand tourer and preview Lamborghini’s entry into the electric vehicle market, with a planned launch in 2028. The vehicle was originally slated to feature two electric motors, providing all-wheel drive and a peak power output exceeding one megawatt. Even though, the project was quietly discontinued towards the end of 2023, according to sources.
Lamborghini will now pursue a strategy centered around plug-in hybrid technology, with the goal of having its entire model range consist of PHEVs by 2030. Winkelmann indicated the company intends to continue offering internal combustion engines “for as long as possible.”
Lamborghini’s reversal comes amid a broader reassessment of electric vehicle strategies within the automotive industry. Porsche, another Volkswagen Group brand, has also scaled back its EV ambitions, delaying the full electric version of a recent SUV and extending the production run of its combustion engine models into the 2030s, citing slower-than-expected demand for battery-electric vehicles. Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, has also announced a return to offering vehicles with internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains. Ford recently ended production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning.
Despite the broader industry trend, some automakers continue to invest heavily in electric vehicles. Ferrari recently unveiled the interior design for its upcoming electric sports car, the Luce. BMW’s newly launched iX3, the first model of its “Neue Klasse” platform, is reportedly experiencing strong demand.
