CEO Christian von Koenigsegg has observed a sharp drop in demand for these EVs
Christian von Koenigsegg is the latest in a growing list of automotive CEOs expressing doubts about the future of electric hypercars. Rimac CEO Mate Rimac first raised the issue last year after noticing a slowdown in demand for the Nevera. More recently, Corvette boss Tony Roma echoed similar sentiments, stating that an electric supercar from Chevy isn’t on the horizon.
In a recent conversation with Top Gear, Koenigsegg said: “The appetite in the market for this level of car, fully electric, is extremely low.” He went on to explain that electric vehicles inherently lack some of the qualities that make combustion-engine cars so exciting to enthusiasts. In his view, EVs feel more robotic and detached, which presents a challenge for automakers trying to capture the emotional connection drivers have with traditional performance cars.
“You want the throbbing, the pumping, the heat, the sounds, the shifts — all of these aspects that just make it come alive,” Koenigsegg told Top Gear. Although he appreciates the smoothness and instant response of electric motors, he admits those visceral elements are missing without a combustion engine.
Despite this, Koenigsegg isn’t worried about the company’s current outlook. He noted that all of the brand’s existing models are already sold out, and customers will have to wait until the company unveils its next product within the next 12 to 18 months. When that time comes, don’t expect the new model to be electric.
Koenigsegg’s cautious stance mirrors a broader shift happening across the industry. In recent months, several luxury and performance brands have started to walk back their electrification goals as consumer demand softens. Some automakers have openly admitted their EV strategies aren’t working as planned, while others are recommitting to combustion engines to satisfy market preferences.
For now, it seems the era of the electric hypercar is on hold — and unlikely to threaten its combustion-powered counterparts anytime soon.
