Lamborghini cancels first EV, Lanzador to arrive as PHEV instead

Lamborghini has officially scrapped plans for its first fully electric production car, the Lanzador, and will instead bring the model to market with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The decision follows an internal review of customer demand and market readiness for electric supercars.

The Lanzador was first shown as a concept in 2023 and was initially planned to enter production in 2028, a timeline that was later pushed to 2029. 

1. Lamborghini would continue building combustion engines “for as long as possible”
2. CEO Stephan Winkelmann said customers value the “emotional experience” of Lamborghinis
3. Pushing aggressively into EVs at this stage could be financially risky, he added

EV demand “near zero”, says Lamborghini CEO

EV strategy dictated by buyer expectations

Confirming the decision, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told The Sunday Times that the “acceptance curve” for electric cars among Lamborghini’s target market is “close to zero”. He said Lamborghini customers value the “emotional experience” of their cars, particularly the sound, response and mechanical feel of V8 and V12 engines. Winkelmann argues that EVs fail to deliver the “emotional connection” of a gas-powered car. 

Winkelmann warned that pushing aggressively into fully electric vehicles at this stage could be financially risky. He described heavy EV investment without clear demand as an “expensive hobby”, adding that Lamborghini would continue building combustion engines “for as long as possible”.

Lanzador to launch as a plug-in hybrid

Urus EV also ruled out for now

While the electric version has been cancelled, the Lanzador nameplate is not being dropped. Lamborghini has confirmed that the model will instead be launched as a plug-in hybrid, combining an internal combustion engine with electric assistance.

Plans for a fully electric Urus successor have also been dropped, with Lamborghini unwilling to risk its biggest-selling and most commercially important model on uncertain EV demand.

This approach mirrors the brand’s current product strategy. Lamborghini has already transitioned its core line-up to hybrid powertrains, including the Urus, Revuelto and Temerario, allowing it to meet tightening emissions norms while retaining performance and character.

Lamborghini to continue with plug-in hybrids  

Customer demand still favours combustion engines

Instead of pushing ahead with fully electric models, Lamborghini will continue to focus on plug-in hybrids across its line-up. The company sees hybrid powertrains as the best way to meet emissions requirements while preserving the performance delivery, engine response and character its customers expect.

The move comes as several brands slow or rethink electrification plans, contrasting with Ferrari, which is just months away from unveiling its first fully electric model, the Luce, set to debut on May 25.