Electric cars under fire for poor sales as another major brand doubts future
The boss of Lamborghini has spoken of his scepticism around fully electric supercars, instead supporting the use of e-fuels to slash emissions.
Major manufacturers around the world are moving towards electric vehicles to meet net zero goals, despite some pushback from consumers.
Some brands are naturally more equipped to meet electric vehicle goals thanks to their mass output, while others who develop rarer and more expensive cars may struggle.
Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, said the performance of supercars is not difficult to replicate for major brands, but other aspects could present issues.
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The boss of Lamborghini has doubts about the future of electric vehicles
PA
The 59-year-old suggested that the use of e-fuels in Lamborghini vehicles could act as a suitable alternative for those who do not want to use electric.
E-fuels still face some hurdles in terms of regulation, but could be backed by manufacturers if the fuels are given the green light by groups like the European Union.
Speaking recently, Winkelmann said that fully electric sports supercars “is not something that is selling so far”.
He added: “It’s too early, and we have to see down the road if and when this is going to happen,” Bloomberg reported.
Electric vehicle sales have become a sticking point in the automotive sector recently, with varying levels of demand from drivers.
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that the market share of new battery electric vehicles jumped to 16.9 per cent in April.
There has been a 10.7 per cent upswing in the number of registrations of electric cars from 2023 to 2024, with 22,717 EVs being registered last month.
Even sales of second-hand zero emission vehicles have broken records in the first quarter of this year, rising to an all-time high with a 2.1 per cent market share.
Despite this, there has been hesitation from some in the automotive industry to back the development of new electric vehicles, as seen by a reduction in sales forecasts of EVs or brands, like Mercedes-Benz, reportedly cutting its luxury EV platform.
Ferrari, one of Lamborghini’s key competitors is further along in its quest to develop more EVs, with the brand looking to open a new Italian factory to make hybrid and electric supercars.
The European Union and United Kingdom both plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035, with many supporting the use of e-fuels as a way to get emissions down and continue making ICE cars.
Winkelmann said “there might be an opportunity” if regulations change allowing for greater access to e-fuels across the market.
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The electric Lamborghini Lanzador is planned for 2028
LAMBORGHINI
Earlier this year, Lamborghini pledged to reduce emissions by 40 per cent per vehicle by the end of the decade as it embraces a more sustainable future.
