Lamborghini Reconsider Electric Car Plan, Lanzador Could Be PHEV

Lamborghini Lanzador. (Photo. Lamborghini automobile)

JAKARTA It has been a long time since Lamborghini has planned to produce electric cars but now the manufacturer is reportedly reconsidering plans for its first electric vehicle (EV).

Previously, Lamborghini was good at introducing the Lanzador as an all-electric concept two years ago. But Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, hinted that the final production model, originally scheduled to launch in 2028 and then be postponed to 2029, may be present as plug-in hybrid (PHEV), not a pure EV. This decision reflects Lamborghini's caution in responding to market trends while maintaining emotional attraction and distinctive performance of the brand.

In an interview with CarExpert from Australia, as quoted from Road & Track, Friday, July 25, Winkelmann explained that global sales of high-end electric cars are sloping and this problem is becoming bigger on the type of car produced by Lamborghini. This statement shows a strategic adjustment amid the changing high-end EV market dynamics.

Meanwhile, the Lanzador concept, revealed in 2023, features a look as a 2+2 grand tourer with high ground clearance, described as a car that is more suitable for everyday use than a super-sports car. If Lamborghini chooses the PHEV route, Lanzador can compete with high performance PHEV models that already exist in the market, such as BMW M5 and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-hybrid.

However, this decision is not without risk. The EV market could still change quickly, and PHEV's decision could seem inappropriate if buyers' interest shifted back to high-end EVs at the time of launch in 2029. Competitors such as the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and EV Ferrari who are coming later this year are benchmarks in the high performance EV segment.

Lamborghini has a narrower time to make the final choice, but to be sure, production version of the Lanzador product will not be seen in the next few years.