McLaren’s plan to go 100% hybrid by 2025

In July 2018, McLaren announced its £1.2 billion Track25 business plan.

This promised 18 new models and a 100% hybrid vehicle line-up by 2025.

Furthermore, the plan includes launching a successor to the P1 hybrid hypercar, ramping up production to 6,000 units per year, and developing a high-power battery system that can supply 30 minutes of all-electric range around a racetrack.

“Track25 sets out a clear roadmap for future vehicles, production, and technology that will allow the brand to continue to position itself as a major global player in the sportscar and supercar market,” said McLaren.

“The company will also continue its drive to win the new supercar weight race by ensuring, as it does today, that each of its products is the lightest in their segment,” said McLaren.

Improving connectivity and features forms part of Track25, too, with enhanced cyber protection, vehicle tracking, and over-the-air software updates in the works.

To reach these ambitious goals McLaren will be evaluating new markets such as Russia, India, and Eastern Europe – as well as expanding its global dealer footprint from 86 to 100 dealerships.

Where they are now

It’s been nearly three years since McLaren announced Track25, and the company has been working towards achieving its goals.

To start, the three-seater Speedtail revealed in late 2018 was the first vehicle launched under the new business plan.

It featured the company’s most-innovative battery technology yet and delivered the best power-to-weight ratio on the market (5.2kW/kg), according to McLaren.

“As an indication of how McLaren technology has advanced, the power density of [the vehicle’s] battery is four times that of the unit in the McLaren P1.”

Production has remained relatively stable, with 4,765 units produced in 2019. Assembly was also halted in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in only 1,642 units produced.

New dealerships were then established in Spain, Australia, Poland, and the United Kingdom.

In terms of vehicle releases: six of the current 13 models on offer were launched on or after July 2018 – with two of those featuring hybrid drivetrains.

An ultra-exclusive seventh model, the Sabre, was delivered to the United States market, too.

This supercar was personally offered to 15 individuals, with the owners being given the choice to unveil their vehicle to the public or keep it a secret.

Thus far, three owners have decided to release photos of their Sabres.

In terms of the P1 replacement, there is no news as yet – but it is rumoured to be the last launch that concludes the business plan in 2025.