Edited by: Giorgos Pallikaris
About five years ago, Lamborghini decided to hybridize its entire range, avoiding the transition to purely electric sets. At the time, the introduction of pure electric vehicles – not hybrids – seemed the only way forward, with legislation putting a lot of pressure on manufacturers. But that pressure has since reversed, with electric car sales faltering and governments pulling back on aggressive electric car policies.
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With demand for supercars with large displacement internal combustion engines higher than ever, it’s clear that Lamborghini’s bet has paid off. Chief technical officer Rouven Mohr says that even now, a purely electric supercar from the brand would not be a success.
“Right now, now, would not be the right time for an electric car, at least not in a super sports car,” Mohr said during the Urus SE launch. “You’ve seen a lot of electric cars on the market that haven’t really been successful.”
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With its fully hybrid range, Lamborghini has been perfectly positioned for success. All three of its models, the V12-powered Revuelto, the twin-turbo Temerario and the Urus now feature some sort of electric assist, putting the brand in the sweet spot as rivals lag behind.
“I’m extremely happy with our current range, because with a hybrid range, we can live for the next decade,” said Mohr.
Lamborghini understands that at some point electrification will be a one-way street, which is why it plans to launch its first all-electric car in 2028. The EV, unveiled last year at Monterey with the Lanzador concept, will not be a full-fledged supercar, but rather a grand tourer 2+2 in SUV shape.
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“Just trying to emulate an internal combustion engine is probably the right answer for now. But we have to convince customers that the electric driving experience is more than what you can’t get in the internal combustion world. Only then can you convince emotional buyers to stay electric,” Mohr said when asked about electric fun-to-drive packages like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N that have a gearbox simulator.
It’s unclear exactly what that differentiator will be for Lamborghini. With just four years to go until the EV’s launch, we won’t have to wait long to find out.
Source: www.zougla.gr
