In a move that may come as a surprise to some—but not entirely unexpected to industry insiders—Lamborghini has officially delayed its first all-electric car, the much-anticipated Lanzador. The concept vehicle, which was originally unveiled at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week, was meant to mark a new chapter in the legendary Italian brand’s history: a leap into the electric future.

Lamborghini’s Electric Future Hits the Brakes

For years, the auto industry has been charging ahead (pun intended) with electric vehicle (EV) development. But now, Lamborghini is taking a different route—one filled with gasoline and high-octane soundtracks. CEO Stephan Winkelmann recently confirmed that the company’s EV program, including the production version of the Lanzador, has been placed on hold.

The reason? Simple: Lamborghini’s core customer base isn’t ready to give up internal combustion just yet.

What Was the Lanzador?

The Lanzador was envisioned as Lamborghini’s first electric vehicle—a sleek, high-riding 2+2 grand tourer (GT) coupe. It was designed to blend futuristic aesthetics with signature Lamborghini performance, minus the roar of a V8 or V12 engine. As a concept, it represented the brand’s intent to embrace sustainability without sacrificing its reputation for extreme design and performance.

It was initially expected to enter production by 2028. However, that timeline was pushed to 2029 and now, its future is uncertain altogether.

Lamborghini Listens to Its Fans—And They’re Loud

According to CEO Stephan Winkelmann, the market for electric luxury sports cars simply isn’t there yet—especially in Europe, Lamborghini’s home market. In a recent interview with Australia’s CarExpert, Winkelmann explained the brand’s change in direction:

“The first decision [we made as a result of the EV market] is that Urus replacement would be, again, a plug-in hybrid, and that we postpone the launch of the fourth [model].”

Put simply, the EV market isn’t growing fast enough to warrant Lamborghini going all-in. Instead, the company will continue to focus on hybrids for the foreseeable future.

This shift also reflects a broader trend within the industry. Many major automakers, including General Motors and Volkswagen, are also slowing down or reevaluating their plans for fully electric luxury performance vehicles.

The Hybrid Road Ahead

Lamborghini is far from abandoning its commitment to emissions standards. Instead of going fully electric, the company is leaning into hybrid technologies. These offer a balance between performance, sustainability, and—most importantly to Lamborghini customers—the visceral thrill of an engine.

Lamborghini already launched its first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the Revuelto, back in 2023. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine paired with three electric motors, the Revuelto delivers a staggering 1,001 horsepower (1,015 metric hp) and 595 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph.

While it can only travel about 5 miles (8 km) on electric power alone thanks to its 3.8-kWh battery, the hybrid system enhances performance without compromising the sensory excitement that Lamborghini fans demand.

More Hybrids on the Way

Alongside the Revuelto, Lamborghini continues to offer hybrid versions of its other flagship models. The Temerario, a sporty hybrid coupe, and the Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury performance SUV, both embrace plug-in hybrid technology.

The brand’s future lineup will likely feature enhanced hybrid systems with even greater performance specs. Lamborghini is committed to meeting environmental regulations without compromising its heritage of high-powered combustion engines. For now, the Italians are prioritizing hybrids as a transitional technology that bridges the gap between traditional engines and an electric future.

Global EV Slowdown Plays a Role

Lamborghini’s pivot mirrors a growing trend among high-performance and luxury car brands that are rethinking their EV plans. Notably:

• Koenigsegg, another high-end automaker known for its hypercars, has also expressed doubt about fully electric performance vehicles. While the company is developing an electric motor—the “Dark Matter”—its CEO recently said there are no immediate plans to roll out an all-electric hypercar.

• Rimac, the Croatian EV hypercar manufacturer, is reportedly shifting its focus toward hybrid technologies as well. Rimac has already built a hybrid powertrain for Bugatti’s upcoming Tourbillon hypercar, which combines a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 engine with hybrid tech to produce a jaw-dropping 1,775 horsepower (1,800 metric hp).

These examples suggest that, even among EV pioneers and performance leaders, the transition to full electrification is not moving as quickly as once expected.

What About the Lanzador’s Future?

Lamborghini hasn’t officially canceled the Lanzador project—but it’s clear that the concept is no longer the brand’s top priority. Originally scheduled for a 2028 release, the model’s launch was postponed once, then again, and now remains in limbo. It’s entirely possible that the Lanzador will evolve into a hybrid model, or that it may be replaced by an entirely different concept better suited to market realities.
In the meantime, Lamborghini will focus on enhancing its hybrid lineup and continuing to offer V8 and V12-powered models that stay true to the brand’s identity.

Why This Matters for the Auto Industry

The decision to pause EV development at a brand like Lamborghini is more than just a product delay—it signals a reality check for the entire high-performance segment. Customers in this space don’t just buy cars for transportation. They buy them for the experience: the sound, the feeling, the tradition.

With EV demand cooling across both Europe and the U.S., and government timelines on banning internal combustion vehicles under review (such as the EU’s 2035 deadline, which will be re-evaluated in 2026), automakers are finding room to maneuver. Lamborghini is seizing that opportunity to stay true to its DNA.

Final Thoughts: The V12 Lives On

For now, it seems that the future of Lamborghini isn’t as electric as once imagined. Instead, the iconic automaker is doubling down on what it knows best—powerful engines, thrilling design, and the unmistakable roar of combustion.

While EVs are still part of the long-term strategy, Lamborghini is choosing to walk rather than run into that future, guided by what its customers want most.

In the end, if Lamborghini drivers still crave the rumble of a V12, that’s exactly what Lamborghini intends to deliver.