The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift toward electrification, but Lamborghini is charting a different course—at least for now. The Italian supercar maker is betting big on synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, as a way to keep its legendary internal combustion engines (ICE) alive and relevant well into the future.
Synthetic Fuels vs. Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Table
| Feature | Synthetic Fuels (E-Fuels) | Electric Vehicles (EVs) |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions | Carbon-neutral (if renewable) | Zero tailpipe emissions |
| Performance | High, similar to gasoline | Instant torque, high performance |
| Refueling/Recharging | Minutes | 30+ minutes (fast charging) |
| Infrastructure | Existing gas stations | Needs charging network |
| Cost | High (currently) | Decreasing, but still high |
| Emotional Appeal | High (sound, feel) | Lower (quieter, less visceral) |
| Regulatory Outlook | Potential loophole | Favored by regulators |
Why Lamborghini is Backing Synthetic Fuels
As global regulators tighten emissions standards and governments set deadlines for phasing out fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, automakers face a critical choice: go electric or find alternative solutions. Lamborghini, however, is not ready to give up on the roar and emotion of its V8 and V12 engines just yet.
Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr has publicly stated that synthetic fuels could be the “savior of the combustion engine,” emphasizing that the brand’s new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine—powering the upcoming Temerario—has been engineered to run efficiently on both traditional gasoline and carbon-neutral synthetic alternatives. This dual-fuel capability is designed to futureproof Lamborghini’s supercars as the industry evolves.
Lamborghini Synthetic Fuel Compatibility
| Model/Engine | Fuel Compatibility | Performance Output | Launch Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temerario (V8 Hybrid) | Gasoline & Synthetic Fuel | 677 kW / 730 Nm | 2024/2025 |
| Revuelto (V12 Hybrid) | Gasoline | 746 kW (est.) | 2023 |
| Urus SE (Plug-in Hybrid) | Gasoline & Electric | TBA | 2025/2026 |
What Are Synthetic Fuels?
Synthetic fuels, often called e-fuels, are produced by combining green hydrogen—derived from renewable energy sources—with carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere. The resulting liquid mimics traditional gasoline but with drastically reduced lifecycle emissions, making it a potentially carbon-neutral alternative.
This technology allows vehicles to continue using internal combustion engines while aligning with future emission regulations. For Lamborghini, it means preserving the performance, sound, and emotional appeal that define its brand, even as the world moves toward electrification.
The Emotional and Regulatory Case for Synthetic Fuels
Lamborghini’s leadership is clear: electric vehicles, while impressive in their own right, do not yet deliver the same emotional thrill as a high-revving, mid-mounted engine. Rouven Mohr has stated that “the time for pure electrification has not yet arrived,” at least in terms of the driving experience the company wants to offer.
Moreover, with the European Union aiming to ban new vehicles that emit CO₂ by 2035 (and smaller manufacturers like Lamborghini by 2036), synthetic fuels are seen as a regulatory workaround—provided they can be produced in a carbon-neutral manner. This could allow combustion engines to remain legal and relevant, even in a low-emission future.
How Lamborghini is Engineering for the Future
The new Lamborghini Temerario, which replaces the Huracán, is a hybrid supercar powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors. This setup delivers a combined output of 677 kW (about 908 horsepower) and 730 Nm of torque, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 343 km/h.
Crucially, the engine is designed to run on both gasoline and synthetic fuel, ensuring that performance and efficiency are maintained regardless of the energy source. This approach not only futureproofs the vehicle but also signals Lamborghini’s long-term commitment to its ICE legacy.
The Broader Industry Context
Lamborghini is not alone in its pursuit of synthetic fuels. Other luxury automakers, including Porsche, Ferrari, and Bentley, are also investing heavily in e-fuel development. Porsche, for example, has already begun producing e-fuel in Chile, converting hydrogen and captured CO₂ into a usable gasoline alternative.
While mass adoption of synthetic fuels is still years away—and the technology remains expensive and energy-intensive to produce—Lamborghini believes its customers will embrace the option to keep the visceral joy of combustion alive.
Government and Policy Considerations
Governments worldwide are setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union, for example, has legislated a ban on new CO₂-emitting vehicles by 2035, with a one-year extension for niche manufacturers like Lamborghini.
Synthetic fuels could play a role in meeting these targets if they are produced using renewable energy and carbon capture. For more information on EU climate policies, visit the official European Commission website:
European Commission – Climate Action.
Lamborghini’s Future: A Dual Approach
While Lamborghini is committed to preserving its combustion engine heritage, it is not ignoring the inevitability of electrification. The brand’s first fully electric model is expected to launch by the end of the decade, with a crossover slated for 2028 and a plug-in hybrid Urus to follow.
CEO Stephan Winkelmann has stated that if synthetic fuels do not gain traction, Lamborghini will transition to all-electric vehicles in the early 2030s. For now, however, the company is keeping its options open, betting that its customers will value the emotional and performance benefits of combustion engines—especially if they can be made more sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is synthetic fuel?
Synthetic fuel, or e-fuel, is a carbon-neutral liquid fuel made from green hydrogen and captured CO₂, designed to mimic gasoline but with much lower emissions.
2. Can Lamborghini’s new engines run on both gasoline and synthetic fuel?
Yes, Lamborghini’s new twin-turbo V8 engine in the Temerario is engineered to run efficiently on both traditional gasoline and synthetic fuel.
3. Will synthetic fuels make combustion engines legal after 2035?
If synthetic fuels are produced in a carbon-neutral way, they could allow combustion engines to remain legal under future EU regulations.