Lamborghini blames charging infrastructure for low EV demand and focuses on plug-in hybrids

CEO states that the lack of reliable charging stations is slowing down EV demand; the brand suspends the Lanzador and returns to investing in hybrids.

Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, indicated that demand for the brand's electric cars has been lower than expected, partly due to a charging network that is not yet reliable enough.

In February, the manufacturer announced the suspension of the Lanzador, the 1,341-horsepower electric hypercar, originally presented in 2023. The vehicle, planned for 2029 with an estimated price of around US$ 300,000, led Lamborghini to pivot toward plug-in hybrid models.

Regarding financial performance, Lamborghini reported record 2025 deliveries: 10,747 vehicles sold and revenue of US$ 3.7 billion (€3.2 billion), an increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Operating profit fell to US$ 885 million (€768 million), down from US$ 962 million (€835 million) in 2024. The company attributes the decline to reduced EV plans and uncertainties regarding US tariffs and exchange rates.

In an interview with Fortune, Winkelmann highlighted that part of the lukewarm demand for EVs stems from infrastructure. “There are many customers who have said—and I have spoken with several around the world—that, in terms of infrastructure, charging time, and range… it is very disappointing,” he stated.

Industry data helps put this in context: the European Union has about 910,000 public charging points, while estimates indicate that 3.5 million would be needed to support decarbonization efforts—meaning only 26% of what is required. In the US, Lamborghini's largest market, the reliability of stations often fails; studies indicate that charging using non-residential equipment works only 78% of the time.

Besides hardware, Winkelmann emphasized the emotional aspect. "You don't buy a Lamborghini because you need it, but because you want to fulfill a childhood dream," he summarized, highlighting the importance of the sound, vibrations, and presence of an internal combustion engine to the brand's identity.

The luxury dilemma: EVs, feats of engineering, and market behavior

The luxury sector has been struggling to deliver a truly striking EV. In 2024, Bentley postponed electric targets to 2035, while Porsche scaled back electrification plans. Large groups, such as Stellantis and Ford, recorded significant losses as they pulled back from 100% electric projects, signaling a reconsideration of strategies in the premium segment.

Analysts recall that it is not simple to claim there is no demand for high-performance EVs. “There are buyers who want high-performance electric vehicles, perhaps not as numerous as expected, but to say that infrastructure imposes an insurmountable obstacle is not entirely accurate,” commented Tom Narayan, an analyst at RBC Capital, referring to other initiatives in the market.

In the context of the VW group, experts suggest that full electrification is not always necessary for Lamborghini, given VW's focus on other EV pillars. While Ferrari advances with the Luce as part of an independent company, Lamborghini, under Audi and the VW portfolio, continues to evaluate the best path between traditional performance and incremental electrification.

Ultimately, the narrative suggests that the success of EVs in the luxury segment depends as much on technology as on the economic and cultural context within each manufacturer's portfolio.

Leave in the comments: do you think charging infrastructure is the main obstacle for electric SUVs and supercars, or is the emotional/sound appeal still the biggest challenge for high-performance buyers?