Lamborghini gears up for an inevitable journey into EVs. CEO Stephan Winkelmann reveals the brand’s strategy: a fusion of performance, emotion, and eco-responsibility.
The Challenge of EVs
The charm of super sportscars lies not just in their speed and design but in the experience they offer – the roar of the engine, the mechanical symphony, and the vibrations.
Electric vehicles, despite their environmental benefits, struggle to replicate these elements. Winkelmann acknowledges this challenge, emphasizing the difficulty of EVs with the emotional aspects that define the Lamborghini driving experience.
Emission Regulations
As global governments tighten their grip on emission regulations, Lamborghini finds itself at a crossroads. With 17 different sets of rules worldwide, compliance becomes a massive puzzle.
Winkelmann acknowledges the social responsibility of reducing emissions but highlights the challenges that niche carmakers face in meeting harsh regulations.
Hybridisation
To bridge the gap between tradition and the electric future, Lamborghini unveils a strategic move – hybridisation. While the first full EV is slated for the end of the decade, hybridisation of the entire lineup by 2024 serves as a tactical move.
Winkelmann sees hybridisation as a flexible approach which provides the brand with the necessary time to clear the complexities of adding emotion into their EV super sportscars.
Customer’s Approval
Unlike a few years ago, Lamborghini’s customers embrace hybridisation wholeheartedly. The Revuelto, a testament to this success, boasts a sold-out status for the next three years.
This positive response echoes across the industry, with rivals like Ferrari and McLaren adopting similar hybrid strategies. Winkelmann reflects on the shift, noting how hybridisation has become integral part in the evolution of super sportscars.
Synthetic Fuels
Lamborghini eyes synthetic fuels as a potential game-changer. Offering a chance to decarbonise combustion engines, these fuels present an opportunity to sustain the ’emotion’ of internal combustion (IC) engines.
Porsche, Lamborghini’s sibling brand, already invests heavily in synthetic fuels, hinting at a broader industry trend. While the vision is promising, Winkelmann urges patience, emphasizing the need for a collective effort that benefits not just Lamborghini but the entire automotive landscape.