(Yicai) Nov. 4 -- Lamborghini plans to launch its next-generation Urus in 2029 as a plug-in hybrid rather than a pure electric vehicle due to the slower-than-expected global acceptance of battery EVs, according to the chief executive of the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer.

Lamborghini is also evaluating whether its new fourth model will be all-electric or a plug-in hybrid, with the decision to be taken at the end of this year, Stephan Winkelmann said at a press conference marking the 20th anniversary of the carmaker's entry into China on Oct. 22.

The electrification strategy of Lamborghini was initially divided into two phases, starting the first phase in March 2023 with the launch of Revuelto, a super sports V12 HPEV, and a hybrid lineup that also included the Urus SE and Temerario. The launch of its first all-electric model in 2028 was part of the second phase, but Winkelmann said that the move will be delayed to 2030 earlier this year.

However, Lamborghini has now become the first and only sports car manufacturer to decide to convert its entire lineup to hybrids.

Porsche, one of the first luxury carmakers to launch an EV, also made a significant shift in its EV strategy this year, postponing the release of several new all-electric models and extending the production life of its internal combustion engine and hybrid autos into the next decade.

One of the biggest changes involves Porsche's upcoming new sport utility vehicle series that is positioned above the Cayenne, which will be offered only in ICE and plug-in hybrid versions instead of all-electric as initially planned.

Lamborghini adheres to the philosophy of not needing to be the first to the market, Winkelmann pointed out. It wants to ensure that the infrastructure is well-developed when it launches an electric model and that the vehicle can deliver the extreme performance expected of its cars, he noted, adding that there is no market demand for ultra-luxury EVs yet.

Editor: Martin Kadiev