Published：May 25, 06:07Last updated：May 30, 22:23

Ferrari's Electric Luce Sparks Backlash Amid High-Stakes Debut

May. 25, 2026 06:07

Ferrari, known for its powerful V8 and V12 engines, unveiled its first fully-electric model, the Luce, on May 25, 2026. This milestone represents a major departure from the brand's heritage, signaling its entry into the electric vehicle market. The launch underscores Ferrari's commitment to innovation amid industry-wide shifts toward electrification.

Summarized

41News

19Media

May. 30, 2026 09:43

Ferrari's first electric car, the Luce, has sparked controversy. While online mockery is rampant, residents of Ferrari's hometown defend it. The article, published on May 30, 2026, explores the polarizing reception of the vehicle.

May. 30, 2026 22:23

Ferrari's first electric vehicle, the Luce, has faced criticism for its design and departure from traditional petrol-powered supercars. Despite its high performance, the car's unveiling led to a drop in shares and public mockery. Critics, including former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, argue the Luce risks damaging the brand's legendary status.

Ferrari's first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, has ignited fierce debate following its unveiling. Priced at approximately 435,000 yuan (€550,000), the four-door model accelerates from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds using four individual wheel motors. The launch, marked by unprecedented secrecy with NDAs carrying €600,000 penalties for leaks, has faced criticism from traditionalists, including ex-chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who called it a betrayal of Ferrari's heritage. The reveal also triggered a 6-8% stock drop and widespread mockery, particularly for its design, which some say resembles NIO's Firefly model. CBC News+2

🚀 Performance and Design

The Luce delivers 1,035 hp from its 122 kWh battery, achieving a 530 km range and 300+ kph top speed. Its radical design features rear-hinged doors, OLED screens, and a minimalist aesthetic developed by Jony Ive's LoveFrom firm with Marc Newson. While NIO founder William Li praised the design's in-person impact, critics argue it departs from Ferrari's classic style and resembles competing models. The polarizing four-door configuration and silent electric performance have further alienated enthusiasts who view Ferrari's iconic engine sound as essential to the brand's identity. CBC News+2

💼 Market and Investor Reaction

Investors reacted negatively to both the design direction and pricing strategy, with shares falling sharply post-reveal. The €550,000 Italian-market price positions the Luce against ultra-luxury EVs like Rolls-Royce Spectre, while the €435,000 base version targets broader appeal. Traditional collectors have expressed outrage, with Italian media labeling the design "unrecognizable." Analysts remain divided on whether affluent families will embrace Ferrari's new direction, particularly given the emotional backlash from purists and the drop in share value. China.org+2

🌐 Strategic Shift

Ferrari's EV ambitions now target 20% electrification by 2030, scaled back from earlier plans. The Luce represents dual firsts: Ferrari's inaugural EV and first five-seater model. While CEO Benedetto Vigna defends it as "the future of luxury mobility," the mixed reception highlights challenges legacy automakers face balancing innovation with heritage. The Vatican showcase and NIO founder's comments suggest Ferrari is courting both institutional approval and tech-industry validation for its controversial pivot, despite the backlash from fans and critics alike. The Guardian+2

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topic.regionalNarratives

Canada

Coverage discusses Ferrari's first electric vehicle launch, highlighting fan criticism of its design departure from traditional Ferrari aesthetics.

China

Reporting focuses on criticism of Ferrari's first electric vehicle design, drawing comparisons to a lower-priced domestic EV model.

United Kingdom

Analysis highlights fan backlash against Ferrari's first electric vehicle, emphasizing the emotional attachment to traditional combustion engines.

Germany

Coverage explores the polarizing reception of Ferrari's first electric car, contrasting online mockery with local defense.

Australia

Reporting centers on the ceremonial presentation of Ferrari's first electric vehicle to religious leadership, emphasizing symbolic significance.

United States

Discussion centers on international backlash against Ferrari's first electric vehicle and its design collaboration with high-profile figures.

Russia

Reporting highlights criticism from former Ferrari leadership regarding the brand's new electric vehicle direction.

Japan

Analysis focuses on Ferrari's first electric vehicle, emphasizing its performance capabilities and the broader challenges faced by luxury car makers in the EV market.

South Korea

Coverage highlights criticism and skepticism surrounding Ferrari's first electric vehicle, focusing on its stock price drop and industry-wide doubts about premium EVs.