From The Times (Londinium), February 21:
Lanzador bites the dust as CEO Stephan Winkelmann says EVs risk becoming an ‘expensive hobby’ for the company
Lamborghini, the supercar maker, has pulled the plug on plans to build electric vehicles (EVs) in the face of collapsing demand among its well-heeled customers.
Chief executive Stephan Winkelmann said EV development risked becoming “an expensive hobby” for the Italian company as he confirmed that a forthcoming all-electric car, named in 2023 as the Lanzador, will no longer join its line-up.
Instead it will be replaced by a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), meaning that by 2030, the company’s range will all be PHEV, said Winkelmann. Lamborghini would continue to build internal combustion engines (ICE) “for as long as possible”, he added.
Winkelmann told The Sunday Times that the “acceptance curve” for battery-powered cars in Lamborghini’s target market was flattening and “close to zero”.
The company’s customers, he said, valued the “emotional experience” of their Lamborghinis — whether design, raw performance or, crucially, the distinctive sound and feedback of the internal combustion engine.
“EVs, in their current form, struggle to deliver this specific emotional connection,” he explained, confirming that noise — or lack of it, remains a crucial selling point in the luxury car market.
Winkelmann had been agonising over cancelling the Lanzador, the company’s fourth EV project, since the start of 2025, but finally killed it off in secret late last year.
“The decision was made after over a year of continuous internal discussion, engaging with customers, dealers, market analysis and global data,” he said.
“Investing heavily in full-EV development when the market and customer base are not ready would be an expensive hobby, and financially irresponsible towards shareholders, customers [and] to our employees and their families.
“Plug-in hybrids offer the best of both worlds, combining the agility and low-rev boost of electric battery technology with the emotion and power output of an internal combustion engine,” said Winkelmann.
Lamborghini is owned by Audi, which is part of the Volkswagen Group. Its current line-up includes the Urus SUV, priced at about £200,000; the £265,000 Temerario sports car; and the £450,000 Revuelto super sports car. All are PHEVs....
....MUCH MORE
Also at The Times:
Bentley boss: EV take-up is too slow. Our next car is petrol
