It’s not the Urus, but Lamborghini did promise its first EV would offer an “unprecedented” driving experience. That’s if it ever launches. After it was already delayed, the Lamborghini EV may not even be fully electric when it arrives.
The Lamborghini EV may not be 100% electric
We got a sneak peek of the electric Lamborghini after the luxury sports car maker unveiled its first EV, the Lanzador, in 2023.
The concept previewed a sleek, high-riding 2+2 GT that Lamborghini claims can serve as a daily driver while still offering the brand’s signature performance.
Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, said at the time, “With Lanzador, we are looking into our future without forgetting our DNA.” However, the chief’s most recent comments suggest the sports car maker could be headed in a different direction.
Winkelmann told CarExpert that Lamborghini has made “two decisions so far based on the fact that the acceptance curve of electric cars worldwide and globally, not only in our type of segment, is flattening.”
The first is that the Urus replacement will again be a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann said the second was “that we postpone the launch of the fourth,” which was expected to be the Lanzador.
Lamborghini initially planned to launch the production version in 2028, but later pushed it back until 2029. Now, whether it may not arrive. At least not as an EV.
Although no decision has been made, according to Winkelmann, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version instead is “something which is still very open.”
Lamborghini introduced its first PHEV, the Revuelto, in 2023, followed by the Urus SE and Temerario. The luxury sports car brand has already committed to electrifying its entire lineup, including PHEVs. However, Winkelmann suggested the automaker will keep gas-powered engines for some time.
“If sustainable fuels are coming, then this is a huge opportunity to keep internal combustion engines. Besides that, for sure, the headline should be, we will keep them as long as possible, at least for the two supercars,” he said.
Whether or not the Lamborghini Lanzador launches in 2029 as an EV or plug-in hybrid will depend on the market over the next few years.
Electrek’s Take
While Lamborghini and Ferrari drag their feet, Chinese EV makers, like BYD, are ready to take the lead with several new electric supercars rolling out. BYD’s ultra-luxury brand, Yangwang, confirmed plans to launch in Europe early next year.
Yangwang sells the U8, an off-road PHEV SUV, the U9, a nearly 1,300 hp all-electric supercar, and the U7, an electric super sedan.
It will be interesting to see how the market shapes up over the next few years. Will Lambo and Ferrari lose their reign as Chinese brands continue to advance new EV tech, software, batteries, and more? We will find out soon as more sales data is released.
In June, BYD sold 64 Yangwang U8s, nine U9s, and 132 U7 models in China.
Author: Peter Johnson
Source: Electrek
