On October 9, 2025, the legendary Italian automaker Ferrari took a bold leap into the future by unveiling the powertrain and chassis of its first-ever fully electric production vehicle, the Ferrari Elettrica. The event, held at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, marked a historic milestone for the brand, which has long been synonymous with roaring engines and high-octane performance. But while the debut signaled a new era for the prancing horse, it also came against a backdrop of market turbulence and shifting industry expectations.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna addressed a crowd of journalists and industry insiders, declaring, “Today is a historic day for us.” He was quick to clarify that the Elettrica is not meant to replace Ferrari’s gasoline or hybrid models, but to join them as part of a broader evolution. “The EV is an addition, not a transition,” Vigna told Reuters, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation without sacrificing its DNA.
The Elettrica itself remains shrouded in some mystery—Ferrari revealed only its bare chassis and powertrain, holding back photos and details of the finished exterior until its official design debut in spring 2026. What has been confirmed, however, is impressive by any standard: the Elettrica will feature four seats, four doors, and four-wheel drive, with each wheel powered by its own dedicated electric motor. This setup enables precise torque vectoring, distributing power dynamically for maximum grip and control. According to Ferrari engineers, the electric motors can reach full revolutions in less than a second, delivering a combined output exceeding 1,000 horsepower.
Performance figures are nothing short of staggering. The Elettrica will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, despite its substantial weight of approximately 5,070 pounds—a result of its 122-kWh battery pack. This battery, mounted low in the chassis, lowers the car’s center of gravity by over three inches compared to a similar gas-powered Ferrari, enhancing agility and cornering precision. Estimated range is pegged at more than 330 miles under Europe’s WLTP cycle, though real-world numbers in the U.S. are expected to be closer to 300 miles, depending on driving style and conditions.
Ferrari has gone to great lengths to ensure the Elettrica retains the visceral driving experience that defines the brand. To replicate the emotional connection of a traditional sports car, the Elettrica captures powertrain vibrations through accelerometers on the rear axle, amplifying them to create a distinctive sports car roar. Drivers can also select from five power levels using steering panels, thanks to a new Torque Shift Engagement system controlled via paddle shifters. This feature offers a sense of progressive acceleration, mimicking the stepped feel of a multi-gear transmission even in an all-electric setup.
Three driving modes—Range, Tour, and Performance—are accessible through the eManettino switch on the steering wheel, a nod to Ferrari’s iconic manettino dial. Under normal conditions, torque is routed primarily to the rear wheels, but the front motors engage as needed to maximize performance and stability. When efficiency is the priority, both front motors can disengage, transforming the Elettrica into a rear-wheel-drive machine. In full Performance Launch Mode, the rear axle alone can generate up to 5,900 lb-ft of torque, promising instant, relentless acceleration that remains balanced and controllable.
The Elettrica’s platform is purpose-built, featuring a 116.5-inch wheelbase, compact overhangs, and a forward-set driving position designed for responsive handling and high crash safety. The battery is fully integrated into the floorpan, improving chassis rigidity and reducing noise and vibration. Rear suspension components are mounted on a separate subframe—a first for Ferrari—to further isolate mechanical noise and enhance ride comfort. The car also debuts Ferrari’s third-generation 48-volt active suspension system, which continuously adjusts damping and ride height to balance comfort and precision, whether cruising or attacking corners.
In keeping with Ferrari’s reputation for craftsmanship, every component of the Elettrica—from its chassis to its drive units—has been developed entirely in-house in Maranello. The chassis and body shell are made of 75% recycled aluminum, a move that saves 6.7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per vehicle, reflecting the company’s growing focus on sustainability. Ferrari is also manufacturing most critical components internally, including the battery system and proprietary software.
Financially, Ferrari’s foray into electrification comes at a complex time. On the same day as the Elettrica’s unveiling, the company raised its 2025 revenue forecast to over 7.1 billion euros ($8.2 billion), up from previous guidance. It set a target for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) at 2.7 billion euros, with a margin exceeding 38.3%. Looking further ahead, Ferrari’s five-year plan projects net revenues of 9 billion euros by 2030 and EBITDA of at least 3.6 billion euros on 40% margins. Yet, despite these bullish figures, Ferrari’s shares suffered their worst trading day since going public in 2016, plunging 15% on both the Milan and New York stock exchanges. Analysts, such as Citi’s Harald Hendrikse, described Ferrari’s outlook as conservative and below even “lower growth” estimates, reflecting broader concerns about the pace of electric vehicle adoption and market demand.
The new business plan, outlined by CEO Vigna, envisions a product lineup by 2030 that is 40% internal combustion, 40% hybrid, and just 20% fully electric—down from earlier plans that envisioned 40% electrics. This recalibration mirrors a trend across the luxury car industry, as automakers adjust their strategies to better match evolving consumer demand. The plan also calls for more models but with lower production volumes for each, aiming to preserve exclusivity while diversifying offerings.
Ferrari’s cautious approach to electrification stands in contrast to the rapid advancements seen elsewhere in the industry. The article from EVinfo.net, republished by Guessing Headlights, highlights BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme, which recently claimed the title of world’s fastest production vehicle, clocking in at 308.4 mph. This Chinese supercar, powered by four electric motors and a 1,200-volt platform, produces over 3,000 horsepower and showcases the technological arms race now underway in the electric supercar segment. Only 30 units of the U9 Xtreme will be built, underscoring the exclusivity and prestige associated with such groundbreaking achievements.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Ferrari remains steadfast in its belief that electrification can coexist with the passion, sound, and artistry that have defined its brand for decades. As Vigna put it, “The strategy leading Ferrari toward its first electric model was clear from the beginning: we would only take this step when we could deliver an EV that feels every bit a Ferrari. That time is now.”
With the Elettrica, Ferrari isn’t just entering the electric era—it’s aiming to redefine what an electric supercar can be, blending tradition with innovation and setting the stage for a new chapter in automotive history.
