Electric Ferrari ‘challenge’

Chief executive sees pure EV as “an opportunity to continue to make something unique”.

Ferrari’s chief executive officer has moved to allay fears the company’s upcoming electric offering will compromise on performance.

Benedetto Vigna, pictured, has been asked about the weight of batteries needed to power an EV, and if an electric model will preserve the feel, power and aerodynamics of a Ferrari.

“In terms of drive, in terms of vehicle dynamics, we can manage this additional weight,” he says.

“It’s true, we have a few 100kg more than a regular ICE car for the same kind of horsepower, but what really reassures me is the fact that we have a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics.

“Consider today. A lot of cars have, more or less, access to the same electronic chips. But we in Ferrari, the engineers in Ferrari, are able to provide something that is unique, that is distinctive.

“It’s a challenge, but we see it as an opportunity to continue to make something unique.”

Ferrari plans to launch a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in 2025, although internal combustion engines (ICEs) are still set to play a significant role in its future.

The company has said ICEs will have a 40 per cent share in its “product offering” by the year 2026, with hybrids and BEVs making up 60 per cent. By 2030, it wants ICEs to make up 20 per cent of its offering, with hybrid and BEVs each having a 40 per cent share.

On its plans for EVs, Ferrari’s battery cells are to be assembled in Maranello. The handcrafted modules will be integrated into the chassis of cars in a process focused on reducing vehicle weight.