Lamborghini Delays Development of All-Electric Supercar Due to Uncertainty Surrounding E-Fuels
In a recent announcement, Lamborghini revealed that it will hold off on the development of its first all-electric supercar until there is more clarity surrounding the future of synthetic fuels. The decision comes as the luxury car manufacturer transitions to an electrified era, discontinuing its internal combustion engine (ICE) models in favor of electric and hybrid vehicles.
While Lamborghini plans to have its mainstream models, such as the Urus and the Lanzador, fully electric by 2030, the brand intends to continue producing hybrid supercars for the next 8 to 9 years. These hybrid models, including the upcoming Huracan replacement and the flagship Revuelto, will feature plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains that incorporate ICE engines.
According to Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, the company can afford to leave the door open for a few more years, as the typical development cycle for a sports car spans around 4 years. Winkelmann emphasized the need for a clearer understanding of the future of synthetic fuels before committing to an all-electric supercar.
Winkelmann acknowledged that synthetic fuels could be an easier transition for Lamborghini, but highlighted the importance of global agreement on their viability. He emphasized that for synthetic fuels to be a viable option, they must be allowed and accessible worldwide. Concerns about their scalability also persist, as there will still be billions of cars on the road with combustion engines in 2035.
The CEO also expressed uncertainty about the readiness of Lamborghini customers for an EV-only lineup. While younger buyers show a clear preference for sustainability, Winkelmann raised questions about the broader customer base and the level of acceptance for electric vehicles. He stressed the importance of preparing customers in a credible manner and understanding their preferences before fully committing to an EV-only strategy.
Although Lamborghini won’t be the first to introduce fully electric supercars and hypercars, Winkelmann stated that the company aims to be the best in terms of making EVs more emotional and exciting for users. While EVs already offer impressive power output, he believes that the focus should be on enhancing handling dynamism and excitement to surpass the experience of ICE-powered vehicles. Winkelmann anticipated a future where EVs could even surpass their ICE counterparts in terms of agility.
In conclusion, Lamborghini’s decision to delay the development of an all-electric supercar reflects the brand’s cautious approach in light of uncertainties surrounding synthetic fuels. While the company is committed to transitioning to electrified vehicles, it aims to ensure that the transition aligns with global regulations and customer preferences.