While most automakers prefer to use roundabout language speaking about their plans nowadays, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann allowed himself to be sincere in his latest interview with Sunday Times, labeling the recent EV fad as “an expensive hobby.”
According to him, the level of acceptance of fully electric cars among Lambo’s usual clientele is “close to zero.” The buyers are looking for an “emotional [driving] experience” that’s hard to achieve without a rumbling engine and a vibrating transmission.
The Raging Bull’s first all-electric supercar, the Lamborghini Lanzador, debuted as an early concept in 2023. Everything Winkelmann said in the interview clearly indicates that it may never see the light of day now – at least, not in its original form. We are told that the development will continue in background mode, but there is no longer any talk about a possible launch date – right now, hybrids are where it’s at.
Forcing full electrification on customers is a downright senseless move, Winkelmann believes. In his own words, it is “financially irresponsible towards shareholders, customers [and] to our employees and their families.” Investing in popular and relatively stable market niches like the one the part-electric Lamborghini Urus occupies is much safer than betting your future on an obscure EV – at least, the way things are looking now.
Wrapping up his emotional speech, Winkelmann admitted that he was concerned with the impending new emission standards in the EU. The next “dangerous” regulation is supposed to enter into force in 2030, and automakers are left hanging as the EU authorities cannot decide whether to postpone the EV transition or push through with it. At this point, more legal clarity would be helpful for businesses to decide on their long-term product strategies, he said.
