Lamborghini Shelves Lanzador EV Plans; CEO Calls Electric Supercars an ‘Expensive Hobby’

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the luxury automotive sector, Lamborghini has officially hit the brakes on its all electric future. The Italian marque has shelved plans for the Lanzador EV, its highly anticipated first fully electric model, citing a lack of customer interest and the high financial risks associated with the transition.

Speaking on the decision, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann described the push into full electrification for supercars as an "expensive hobby" that would be "financially irresponsible" toward shareholders and employees given the current market climate.

The Death of the Lanzador EV

Unveiled as a high clearance GT concept three years ago, the Lanzador was originally positioned to lead Lamborghini into the electric era by 2028. However, after pushing the launch date to 2029, the company has now decided to cancel the project entirely.

Winkelmann revealed that interest in a fully electric Lamborghini remains "close to zero" among the brand's core clientele. The decision highlights a growing divide between regulatory pressures for zero emission vehicles and the actual desires of high-end automotive collectors.

Why Lamborghini is Backing Away from Full EVs

The retreat from the Lanzador project boils down to three primary factors:

1. The "Emotional Experience": Lamborghini buyers prioritize the visceral sensation of driving, which includes the design, performance, and most importantly the iconic sound of V8 and V12 engines. The brand maintains that current EV technology cannot replicate this "emotional" connection.

2. Low Acceptance Curve: The "acceptance curve" for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the ultra luxury segment is significantly lower than in the mass market. Owners are not yet ready to trade the roar of a combustion engine for a silent electric motor.

3. Financial Viability: Investing billions into a platform that the customer base doesn't want is seen as a liability. By shelving the Lanzador, Lamborghini is protecting its margins and focusing on technologies that are already proving successful.

Double Down on Hybrids

While the Lanzador is dead for now, Lamborghini isn't abandoning electricity altogether. The brand is shifting its full focus toward Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

Models like the Revuelto, Temerario, and the Urus SE have seen record breaking sales, proving that customers prefer the "best of both worlds." This strategy allows Lamborghini to utilize electric torque for low-end boost and agility while retaining the soul of the internal combustion engine.

What This Means for the Industry

Lamborghini’s pivot mirrors a broader trend where luxury manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Bentley are also scaling back their aggressive EV targets. For the Sant'Agata Bolognese manufacturer, the goal is now clear: keep the V8s and V12s alive for as long as possible through hybridization.