Pagani: Why the Company Shelved its Electric and Hybrid Projects
Pagani, the renowned Italian hypercar manufacturer, nearly joined the electrification trend with its latest model, the Utopia. However, the project was ultimately put on hold due to technical challenges and a lack of demand from their target audience. Instead of featuring a V8-electric hybrid system, the Utopia was revealed with a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine.
Horacio Pagani, the founder of Pagani, explained in an interview with The Drive that his team collaborated with partner Mercedes-AMG to find a suitable powertrain for the Utopia. They explored various options, including a hybrid drivetrain built around a twin-turbocharged V8, similar to what can be found in some AMG models. This setup boasted an impressive output of 831 horsepower and 1,033 pound-feet of torque, making it a supersonic powerhouse. However, Pagani’s customers were not interested in this hybrid offering.
According to Pagani, the lack of demand for hybrid cars stems from the perception that they bring together both the drawbacks of electric vehicles and traditional combustion engines, along with higher development and maintenance costs. He admitted that although he owned hybrid cars himself, such as the Porsche 918 Spyder, his clients preferred the pure driving experience of combustion engines without the added complexity and costs associated with hybrids.
Aside from a lack of demand, another important factor that contributed to the shelving of the electrification project was the additional weight brought by the hybrid system’s motors and batteries. Pagani revealed that the hybrid prototypes they tested were overweight by up to 1,100 pounds, which would have compromised the car’s performance and appeal to their discerning clientele.
This aversion to hybrid and electric powertrains also explains why Pagani has not dabbled in the production of electric vehicles to compete with brands like Rimac. Although they began exploring battery-electric technology in 2017 through partnerships with Mercedes-AMG and Lucid, the market demand simply wasn’t there. The shift away from electric hypercars has been confirmed by Mate Rimac, who stated that demand for electric hypercars has significantly decreased.
Despite the trend toward electrification, Pagani remains committed to producing V12-powered cars for as long as possible. The engine that powers the Utopia is homologated until 2031, ensuring its longevity. Moreover, Pagani has plans for future evolutions of the V12 engine, demonstrating their dedication to this iconic powertrain. Additionally, Pagani continues to cater to enthusiasts who appreciate the connection between driver and machine by offering the Utopia and Utopia Spider with a seven-speed manual transmission.
In conclusion, Pagani’s decision to shelve their electric and hybrid projects was driven by a combination of technical challenges, lack of demand from their customer base, and concerns about the additional weight and complexity of hybrid powertrains. The company remains committed to producing V12-powered cars and preserving the pure driving experience that their clients cherish.
