**HOOK:** Lamborghini’s CEO just confirmed what many supercar purists hoped to hear: the brand’s raging bulls will not go all-electric any time soon.
**LEAD:** Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of the iconic Italian automaker, said in a Forbes interview that Lamborghini has fully electrified its lineup—but with hybrid powertrains, not pure EVs. The decision places Lamborghini at odds with rivals eyeing full electrification and underscores the tension between performance heritage and regulatory pressure.
**CONTEXT:** The automotive world has been racing toward electrification, but supercar makers face unique hurdles. Heavy batteries can blunt the agility that defines cars like the Aventador or Huracán. Lamborghini first dipped into electrification with the Sián (a mild hybrid) in 2020, followed by the Revuelto plug-in hybrid in 2023. The company also teased the Lanzador, an all-electric concept for 2028. However, Winkelmann’s latest comments suggest that full battery-electric may remain a niche offering rather than a mass replacement, especially for the core supercar range.
**KEY DETAILS:** Winkelmann stated the company’s entire current lineup offers some form of electrification, but stressed that complete electrification of supercars is not imminent. He referenced the need to maintain driving emotion, sound, and weight balance—critical attributes for the brand’s customers. The CEO specifically noted that Lamborghini continues to invest in hybrid technology as a bridge, and that an all-electric supercar remains a technological and market challenge. The interview appeared in Forbes on May 23, 2026, and follows earlier signals from Winkelmann that the brand would not rush into full electrification.
**ANALYSIS:** Lamborghini’s position reflects a broader industry debate. While Ferrari has committed to an all-electric model by 2026 and McLaren to a hybrid-heavy future, companies like Porsche have seen strong demand for plug-in hybrids even as EV sales slow in some luxury segments. For Lamborghini, the bone-rattling V12 roar is part of the brand identity—replacing it with silent electric motors risks alienating the core clientele. At the same time, European regulations (including Euro 7 and emissions targets) push for lower tailpipe CO2. Winkelmann’s hybrid-first strategy is a calculated bet: keep the soul of the brand while buying time for battery tech to solve weight and range issues.
**OUTLOOK:** Expect Lamborghini to introduce more high-performance plug-in hybrids over the next 3–5 years, with the Lanzador EV possibly arriving around 2028 as a lower-volume halo car. The company may also explore synthetic fuels to extend the life of combustion engines. The real test will come when competitors launch compelling electric supercars that challenge Lamborghini on performance metrics. For now, Winkelmann is clear: the raging bull will not switch to electric-only until the technology truly delivers.
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Lamborghini CEO Winkelmann: Our Supercars Won’t Go All Electric Yet
Lamborghini, the company that defined mid-engined supercars, has electrified its entire range, but not gone all electric. CEO Stephan Winkelmann explains why.
James Morris, Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
4/10
Sant'Agata Bolognese
Key Takeaways
- Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed the brand will not produce all-electric supercars in the near term, favoring hybrid powertrains.
- Lamborghini's current lineup is fully electrified but only through hybrid systems, including the Revuelto PHEV (2023) and the Sián mild hybrid (2020).
- The company unveiled the Lanzador all-electric concept in 2023; Winkelmann indicated that model may remain a niche offering if realized.
- Key challenges cited: battery weight impacts handling, silent operation undermines the 'emotional' driving experience expected by supercar buyers.
- The decision contrasts with Ferrari's plan to launch a fully electric model in 2026 and McLaren's growing hybrid focus.
- European emissions regulations (Euro 7) push for lower CO2, but Lamborghini believes hybrid technology can meet targets without sacrificing performance.
"We have electrified our entire range, but we are not going all electric yet—the technology isn't ready for the supercar segment."
"Our customers want the sound, the vibration, the emotion—you cannot replicate that with a silent electric motor."
"Hybrids today are the best solution: they reduce emissions while keeping the soul of a Lamborghini."
Frequently Asked Questions
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann believes that current battery technology adds too much weight, which degrades handling and performance. He also argues that the emotional driving experience—especially engine sound and vibration—cannot be replicated with a silent electric powertrain. The company is prioritizing hybrid systems to meet emissions regulations while preserving brand identity.
Lamborghini has electrified its entire lineup using hybrid technology. The Revuelto is a plug-in hybrid V12, the Sián uses a hybrid V12, and the Urus SUV also offers hybrid options. The company plans to introduce a fully electric model (Lanzador) around 2028, but it will be a niche offering, not a replacement for the core supercar range.
Lamborghini has announced the Lanzador concept, which is expected to go into production around 2028. However, CEO Winkelmann has stated that the supercar segment is not ready for full electrification, so the model may be positioned as a limited-production halo car rather than a mass-market electric successor to the Aventador or Huracán.
Key challenges include battery weight compromising agility and handling, the difficulty of replicating the visceral engine sound and driving emotion that Lamborghini customers expect, and developing charging infrastructure that matches the brand's global customer base. Hybrid technology currently allows Lamborghini to address emissions without sacrificing these attributes.
Ferrari has committed to launching a fully electric model in 2026 and has invested heavily in EV battery technology and e-motors. In contrast, Lamborghini is taking a more cautious approach, relying on hybrids for the next several years. Both brands face similar trade-offs but are pursuing different timelines based on their customer expectations and brand positioning.
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Original source
www.forbes.com
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