Quick Highlights:

  • Lamborghini cancels its first fully electric model, the Lanzador EV.
  • CEO Stephan Winkelmann calls aggressive EV investment an “expensive hobby”.
  • EV demand among Lamborghini buyers described as “close to zero”.
  • Lanzador will now launch as a plug-in hybrid, not a BEV.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to Launch as a Plug-In Hybrid Instead

In a major strategic reversal, Lamborghini has officially cancelled its first fully electric production car, the Lanzador, and will now bring the model to market as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The decision signals a sharp pivot away from full electrification and reinforces the Italian marque’s commitment to combustion engines — particularly its iconic V8 and V12 powertrains — for as long as regulations allow.

From where I stand, this isn’t just a product delay. It’s a clear message: Lamborghini believes its customers still want emotion over electrification.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV
Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV

The Death of the Lanzador EV

The Lamborghini Lanzador was first revealed as a high-clearance GT concept in 2023 and was originally scheduled for production in 2028, later pushed to 2029. It was meant to usher the Sant’Agata Bolognese brand into the fully electric era.

That plan is now officially scrapped.

Following an internal review of market demand and customer sentiment, Lamborghini has decided the timing — and perhaps the appetite — for a fully electric supercar simply isn’t there.

Instead, the Lanzador nameplate will live on as a plug-in hybrid model.

“EV Demand is Near Zero,” Says CEO

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann was blunt about the reasoning. Speaking to The Sunday Times, he described the “acceptance curve” for EVs in the ultra-luxury performance segment as “close to zero.”

According to Winkelmann, Lamborghini buyers prioritize:

  • The sound of a V8 or V12
  • Immediate throttle response
  • Mechanical feel and vibration
  • The emotional theatre of combustion

In his view, current EV technology fails to replicate that visceral connection. He also warned that pushing aggressively into EV development without clear demand would be financially irresponsible — calling it an “expensive hobby.”

That’s a strong statement in an industry still publicly committed to electrification.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV
Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV

Hybrids Over Full Electric: A Strategic Shift

Rather than abandoning electrification altogether, Lamborghini is doubling down on plug-in hybrid systems.

Its current lineup already reflects this direction:

These models combine combustion engines with electric assistance, offering torque boost, improved efficiency, and compliance with tightening emissions standards — without sacrificing character.

From a business standpoint, this feels like the safest middle path. Customers get electrification benefits, regulators get lower emissions, and Lamborghini keeps its identity intact.

Urus EV Also Ruled Out

Plans for a fully electric successor to the Lamborghini Urus have also been shelved for now.

This is particularly significant because the Urus is Lamborghini’s highest-selling and most commercially critical model. Betting it on uncertain EV demand would carry major financial risk.

The company appears unwilling to jeopardize its strongest revenue pillar for a technology its customers aren’t asking for.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV
Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV

Industry Contrast: Ferrari Moves Ahead

Lamborghini’s retreat stands in contrast to Ferrari, which is preparing to unveil its first fully electric model, the Ferrari Luce, set to debut on May 25.

This divergence highlights a growing split among luxury automakers:

  • Some are accelerating toward full electrification.
  • Others are recalibrating timelines based on real customer behavior.

In my view, Lamborghini is prioritizing demand over regulatory optics — at least for now.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV
Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV

Why Lamborghini is Backing Away from Full EVs

Three key factors are driving the decision:

1. The Emotional Experience: Lamborghini’s brand identity is built on drama — the roar of a naturally aspirated engine, the vibration through the chassis, the rawness of mechanical power delivery. EVs, however quick, don’t yet replicate that sensory theatre.

2. Low Acceptance in Ultra-Luxury Segment: While mainstream EV adoption continues to grow, ultra-high-net-worth buyers are not showing the same enthusiasm for electric supercars.

3. Financial Risk: Developing a bespoke EV platform requires billions in investment. Without confirmed demand, the return on that investment becomes uncertain — especially in a volatile global market.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV
Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV

What This Means for the Future

Lamborghini has made one thing clear: it will continue building combustion engines “for as long as possible.”

Hybridization now becomes the long-term bridge strategy — balancing performance, regulation, and brand philosophy.

Whether this proves visionary or short-sighted will depend on how quickly customer sentiment evolves. For now, Lamborghini is betting that emotion still sells better than electrons.

If one thing is clear, it’s that Lamborghini isn’t resisting change — it’s reshaping it on its own terms. And for a brand built on rebellion and emotion, that might be the most Lamborghini move of all.

Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV
Lamborghini Cancels First EV — Lanzador to come as a PHEV

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

Q. Why did Lamborghini cancel the Lanzador EV?

  • Lamborghini cited near-zero customer demand, financial risk, and the inability of EVs to deliver the emotional driving experience buyers expect.

Q. Will Lamborghini make a fully electric car in the future?

  • The company has not ruled out EVs permanently but has postponed plans indefinitely. For now, it is focusing on plug-in hybrids.

Q. What will replace the Lanzador EV?

  • The Lanzador nameplate will return as a plug-in hybrid model, combining combustion and electric power.

Q. Is the Lamborghini Urus going fully electric?

  • No. Plans for a fully electric Urus successor have been dropped for now due to uncertain demand.

Q. How does this compare to Ferrari’s EV strategy?

  • Unlike Lamborghini, Ferrari is moving ahead with its first fully electric model, the Ferrari Luce, expected to debut soon.

Q. Are luxury car buyers rejecting EVs?

  • In the ultra-luxury supercar segment, demand appears significantly lower compared to the mass market, particularly among traditional performance-focused buyers.