Lamborghini Reluctant To Rush To Make Electric Cars, Prefer PHEV

Lamborghini Lanzador. (Photo. Lamborghini automobile)

JAKARTA - Lamborghini has officially announced its strategic steps not to rush into the full electric car (EV) market. The Italian supercar manufacturer chose to focus on developing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology as a medium-term solution to the electrification era.

This decision was conveyed by Lamborghini's Chief Executive Officer, Stephan Winkelmann, in an interview with Auto Express. According to Winkelmann, the development of electric vehicles is not as fast as expected a few years ago.

"The demand for electric cars is stagnant. Some time ago, his adoption seemed promising, but now the growth curve is starting to slope. This condition makes Lamborghini need to adjust the direction of business so that it remains relevant to consumer wishes in the luxury car segment," said Winkelman, quoted on Saturday, October 11.

One of the projects affected was Lamborghini Lanzador, a model of the concept originally planned as a pure electric car. The manufacturer is currently reviewing the project and is considering producing it as PHEV, and the final decision on this matter is rumored to be taking this year.

Although the global auto industry continues to move towards full electrification, Lamborghini instead chooses a different path. Winkelmann insists that the legendary V12 engine will remain part of the brand identity until after 2030.

In addition, the latest generation SUV Model will also come with a PHEV drive system, not a full EV, and is scheduled to launch before the end of this decade. This step is not without consideration.

Lamborghini considers that PHEV technology currently offers an ideal balance between typical supercar performance and carbon emission efficiency. We have to move analytically considering additional weight, cost, and hybrid system complexity, while ensuring a permanent emotional driving experience," Winkelmann said.

Apart from technical factors, this decision also takes into account the image and aspirations of the brand. According to Winkelmann, many Lamborghini fans don't own their cars, but remain an important part of the global community.

"We have to maintain the spirit of the brand for all fans, not just the buyers," he said.

This strategic change is predicted to affect Lamborghini's future cost structure and selling price of the new model Lamborghini. However, there is no official information regarding the price range of the latest PHEV model to be released.