If you’re a fan of purely petrol McLaren supercars, you’re in luck as a fully electric McLaren EV supercar won’t be happening soon. In an exclusive interview with McLaren’s Head of Asia Pacific, Charlotte Dickson, we were told that McLaren is “very well set in terms of electrification”, but at this point, “having a fully electric car is quite challenging” as an EV won’t be able to have the core DNA of the brand.
McLaren’s core DNA would be “driving performance”, “speed”, and “thrill of the drive”. McLaren cars are also generally light in weight and given the technology of this time, an EV can’t meet those requirements, at least for McLaren.
And it isn’t a matter of being purely petrol either with McLaren as the brand already has electrified options in its lineup – the latest one being the McLaren Artura which was its first series hybrid supercar. Before that, McLaren introduced the Speedtail and the P1 which were both also electrified.
The Artura saw massive success across Asia in 2023, and the brand is seeing stringer demand for hybrid and electrified cars across the segment. The Artura also increased McLaren’s female clientele just because it is a little more practical than the usual supercar.
RELATED: McLaren’s new boss is open to crossovers and other body styles, but won’t make a “classic SUV”
McLaren’s decision to not make an EV supercar (yet) does not negate the possibility of an all-electric model. Speaking to Auto Express in late 2022, McLaren CEO Michael Leiters said, “I think the key measure for McLaren is potentially something with the ability to share with more occupants in the car. Not necessarily higher riding, but it could be.” For all we know, McLaren could be working on a rival to the Taycan.
In the meantime, McLaren is focusing on its two-door supercars and maintaining what its customers love about its cars. McLaren saw massive success with the 720S and expects to see a better response with the 750S that was recently launched in Malaysia.
When asked on the matter of whether or not McLaren is working on a four-seater option or a super sports utility vehicle, we were told that the company is focusing on making its supercars profitable first. Everything that comes after that (whatever body type it may be) will have to maintain the brand’s credibility.
RELATED: McLaren hints at EV sedan to rival Taycan, electrified SUV also planned
