Ferrari Pushes Back Electric Model Launch to Post-2025
Ferrari enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the debut of the brand's first all-electric model will need to be patient a little longer. Initially expected to break cover in 2025, the electric Ferrari—tentatively dubbed the Ferrari Elettrica—has now been delayed, with no unveiling planned for this year.
This setback stems from a combination of technical hurdles and Ferrari's steadfast commitment to preserving its DNA of performance, elegance, and emotional driving dynamics. Below, we break down the reasons behind the delay, the progress of Ferrari's electric vehicle project, and what the future may hold when this landmark car finally arrives.
Why has Ferrari delayed its first electric vehicle?
CEO Benedetto Vigna recently confirmed that the Maranello-based automaker is deliberately taking its time with development. The goal is to produce a car that stays true to the Ferrari ethos—an experience that excites the senses, not just numbers on a spec sheet. Achieving this requires significant breakthroughs in battery technology, including improvements in energy density, faster charging capabilities, and sufficient driving range. Back in 2019, former CEO Louis Camilleri had already flagged that battery tech wasn't up to Ferrari's standards—a sentiment Vigna has echoed.
To meet its targets, Ferrari is pouring resources into its in-house innovation labs, including the E-Cells development center and a new state-of-the-art electric facility in Maranello. The challenge: progress is happening, but slower than anticipated.
Additionally, Ferrari isn't just chasing performance—it wants its EV to deliver the same emotional engagement drivers expect from a combustion Ferrari. That includes sound. While many manufacturers pipe synthetic engine noise into their EVs, Ferrari is working on amplifying the natural acoustics of its electric motors—an ambitious task that involves extensive testing and sound refinement. Their hybrid racing experience in Formula 1 and road cars like the SF90 Stradale offers useful insight, but translating that knowledge into a fully electric supercar is a whole different game.
Development prototypes are already undergoing road tests across Europe, often cloaked in modified Maserati Levante bodies to disguise their form. These test mules have been spotted from Ferrari's hometown of Maranello all the way to the snowy roads of Sweden. From what can be observed—such as design cues like Roma-style headlights and muscular front fenders—it appears the car may be a four-door grand tourer or SUV, bearing similarities to the Purosangue rather than a traditional low-slung Ferrari.
The new Electrification Building in Maranello, opening in 2024, is poised to play a central role in Ferrari's electric future. It will support the production of electric, hybrid, and combustion models, with a dedicated space for EV component assembly. Ferrari is also working closely with battery suppliers while developing its own high-efficiency electric motors to meet the brand's demanding performance benchmarks.
What to expect from the Ferrari Elettrica
Once it is officially unveiled, Ferrari's first EV is expected to deliver blistering performance—think dual-motor all-wheel-drive, cutting-edge suspension systems, and rear-wheel steering, much like the innovations seen in the Purosangue. The company has promised that the car will offer the signature Ferrari driving feel, aiming to impress both loyal fans and first-time buyers.
As for pricing, while nothing has been confirmed, rumors suggest it could start around €500,000 (roughly $550,000), positioning it firmly within the ultra-luxury segment. Ferrari expects the car to hit the market in 2026, with the first customer deliveries potentially taking place in October of that year, based on recent statements by President John Elkann during a financial earnings call.
The delay in launching its first EV doesn't mean Ferrari is dragging its feet on electrification. In fact, hybrid models already made up 51% of the brand's total sales in 2024, thanks to popular offerings like the 296 GTB and SF90. Ferrari aims for 40% of its lineup to be fully electric by 2030, with the Elettrica serving as the cornerstone of that transition. The company is also investing in research on carbon-neutral fuels, which could help preserve its combustion engine legacy while pursuing sustainability.
Ferrari's methodical pace stands in contrast to rivals such as McLaren and Lamborghini, both of which are facing similar challenges in their shift toward electric performance cars. By taking its time, Ferrari hopes to set a new standard for high-end EVs—merging technical excellence with its storied racing and design pedigree.
Looking ahead
While the postponement may frustrate eager fans, Ferrari's emphasis on precision and emotional appeal suggests the wait will be worth it. The company is preparing to launch six new models in 2025, including successors to the SF90 Stradale and Roma, ensuring that excitement around the brand remains high. As development continues and Maranello's new EV facility comes online, more details about the Ferrari Elettrica are expected to emerge in 2026.
Until then, enthusiasts can expect a machine that blends cutting-edge electric performance with the heart and soul of the Prancing Horse—redefining what it means to drive an electric Ferrari.
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