Ferrari Unveils Electric Luce as Market Skepticism Mounts
Shares drop 6% following Rome launch; CEO anticipates half of orders from new clients despite broader sector headwinds
Ferrari has officially unveiled the Luce, marking the manufacturer’s debut into the all-electric vehicle sector with its first four-door, five-seater model. Developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive and his collective LoveFrom, the vehicle represents a significant strategic pivot for the Italian supercar giant. The launch event, held in Rome and attended by Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, signals the company’s intent to broaden its market reach beyond its traditional two-seater lineage.
The Luce is powered by four independent electric motors, one for each wheel, delivering over 1,000 horsepower and enabling variable power distribution to enhance handling dynamics. Ferrari states the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 310 km/h. The car is equipped with a 122 kWh battery, offering a theoretical range exceeding 500 km and the capability to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 to 25 minutes at fast-charging stations.
Priced at approximately €550,000, deliveries are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna noted that the model is the result of five years of research and development. The manufacturer aims to attract younger demographics and expand its presence in the competitive Chinese market, where electric vehicle adoption is widespread and combustion engine vehicles face significant taxation. Chief marketing and commercial officer Enrico Galliera indicated that the company expects half of the Luce’s orders to come from new clients seeking a vehicle suitable for different moments in life.
Despite the strategic ambitions, the market reaction was immediate and negative. When trading resumed in Italy following the Pentecost bank holiday, Ferrari shares fell by approximately 6%, eroding around €3.7 billion in market capitalisation. The stock subsequently stabilised, though the initial drop reflects investor caution regarding the company’s electrification strategy. This market sentiment aligns with a broader industry trend where manufacturers, including Porsche and Honda, are tempering their electrification targets due to market headwinds and intensifying competition.
The Luce’s design diverges from the all-digital touchscreen interfaces common among competitors like Tesla, instead featuring physical controls and dials. Ferrari has also emphasised acoustic feedback, amplifying natural vibrations from the electric powertrain to provide traditional sensory cues within the cockpit. The vehicle’s glass-led aesthetic, intended to maximise light, contrasts with the 2.2-tonne weight of the car, a figure attributed largely to the substantial battery pack.
