Lamborghini says no to EVs: India will benefit from delay in EV plans

President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Based on conversation with Arpit Mahendra.According to CEO Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini will continue to focus on plug-in hybrid technology rather than fully electric vehicles in the near future. Speaking during a media interaction recently, Winkelmann explained that the brand’s future product strategy will focus on performance-oriented electrification rather than full battery-electric models, while also highlighting India’s growth potential.Winkelmann said Lamborghini’s decision to avoid completely electric cars for the time being is deliberate and based on customer expectations and market realities. He explained that Lamborghini’s global approach does not allow for region-specific technologies.“Our strategy must always be the same throughout the world,” he said, adding that Lamborghini customers expect consistent technology and brand identity regardless of the market.Confirming the company’s electrification roadmap, Winkelmann said Lamborghini will continue to feature plug-in hybrids in the lineup. The company plans to launch four new models by 2030. “Four of the cars will be plug-in hybrid cars and the last car, which was still an electric car, was a GT car. But we decided not to do that,” he said.According to him, fully electric models will be reconsidered only after the end of this decade. “Then we will see after 2030 when the market is ready or when there is a need to make the first electric car,” he said.

Winkelmann indicated that Lamborghini’s decision to avoid full electrification in the near term could work in India’s favor. “The fact that we are not going fully electric is definitely an advantage for the Indian market,” he said.However, he said future growth in India will largely depend on policy developments such as possible import duty cuts under the proposed FTA between India and the EU. “If there is import taxation or reduction in import tax, it will help in the growth of the market for cars like ours as well,” he said.Until there is clarity on taxation, Lamborghini expects sales to remain stagnant in India. Last year, the carmaker sold 111 units on our shores. “At the moment, we have around 100 cars. And right now, we see this as the volume for a market like India in the near future,” he said.

New GT model to expand the lineup

Lamborghini is preparing to introduce a new two-door 2+2 Gran Turismo model. This will be the brand’s entry into a new segment. Winkelmann described the upcoming model as a traditional GT rather than an SUV-style vehicle.“The GT2 Plus 2 is going to be a classic GT, it’s a low-cost car,” he said. He explained that the company evaluated several body styles before deciding on the GT format.“If there is one car that was missing from Lamborghini’s line-up, it is absolutely the Gran Turismo,” he said. The model is expected to carry the Lanzador name, although the final decision has not been confirmed.

V12 engines will continue

Despite tightening emission norms globally, Lamborghini intends to continue offering V12 engines in the near future. “We’ll keep the V12 running as long as possible,” Winkelmann said.He indicated that production of the engine could continue for at least the next decade. A final decision on the long-term future of the V12 will be taken later. “It’s something that we have to decide over the next four years from now about what we’re going to do next,” he said. Winkelmann said future decisions will depend largely on regulations and political developments around the world.

Highlighting Lamborghini’s recent performance, Winkelmann said the company has achieved another record year. “In the year 2025, we achieved another record year in sales, with 10,747 cars delivered to customers,” he said. He said this is the third consecutive year that Lamborghini has crossed the 10,000 unit mark globally. According to him, strong results were achieved despite global uncertainties.

Winkelmann explained how Lamborghini expects its model hierarchy to evolve. “We see the Urus as the main volume producer. Then we see the GT and Temerario models at the same level. In terms of price, it is the Urus, GT, Temerario and Aventador,” he said.