Lamborghini is set to unveil its inaugural electric automobile in 2028, but it will deviate from the typical supercars associated with the brand.
During a recent interview with Bloomberg that was published on Sunday, Stephan Winkelmann, the CEO of Lamborghini, expressed reservations about the current demand for electric supercars. He mentioned that Lamborghini’s strategy is presently inclined towards incorporating plug-in hybrid powertrains in their supercars and adopting a more observant stance towards electric options.
According to Winkelmann, the market for electric supercars is still in its infancy. He stated, “Consumers are not showing substantial interest in electric supercars at the moment. It’s premature, and we need to monitor the situation to ascertain the right time for such a move.”
Winkelmann elaborated that the concern is not related to performance capabilities but rather to the intangible essence of gas-powered supercars. He particularly highlighted the unique sound produced by the V-10 engine of the Lamborghini Huracán as an irreplaceable characteristic in an electric vehicle.
These sentiments echo those expressed by Mate Rimac, the CEO and founder of Rimac Group, at the recent Financial Times Future of the Car conference in London. Rimac emphasized that high-end buyers value an emotional and analog driving experience. He cited the underwhelming demand for his Nevera electric hypercar, which failed to sell out despite its launch in 2021 and being limited to only 150 units.
The shift away from the initial enthusiasm for EVs is not exclusive to the supercar market. Several prominent automobile manufacturers are revisiting their plans for exclusive EV production due to the slower-than-anticipated growth in EV demand. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, announced in February that they anticipate selling gasoline-powered vehicles well into the next decade, diverging from their prior strategy of focusing solely on EVs by 2030.
During the interview with Bloomberg, Winkelmann proposed an alternative approach to emissions reduction in the form of carbon-neutral e-fuels, a concept championed by Porsche, a fellow brand under the Volkswagen Group umbrella. Winkelmann suggested that there could be a significant move towards embracing this solution if the European Union proceeds with the proposal to permit the continued sale of internal combustion vehicles running on e-fuels beyond the projected 2035 ban on carbon-emitting vehicles. A final verdict on this matter is anticipated within the next two years.
Lamborghini’s inaugural EV offering will be a grand tourer featuring 2+2 seating, reminiscent of the iconic Espada from the 1960s. The design concept was first showcased last year with the Lanzador concept, with the production model slated to serve as the fourth addition to the brand’s lineup.
Image Source: PuccaPhotography / Shutterstock
