Ferrari has defended its first fully electric vehicle after the launch triggered widespread debate across the automotive industry. Ferrari’s divisive new EV car, the Luce, has faced criticism from fans, analysts, and social media users for its unconventional design. However, Ferrari’s Chief Product Development Officer, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, believes the public simply needs more time to understand the company’s new direction.
Speaking during a technology event in Milan organized by Siemens, Fulgenzi said the vehicle’s design needs to be “seen—and seen a lot” before people fully appreciate it. According to him, innovative automotive designs are often initially rejected because they challenge traditional expectations.
Why Ferrari’s Divisive New EV Car Has Triggered Controversy
The Luce marks a significant departure from Ferrari’s legendary lineup of low-slung, petrol-powered supercars. Instead, it arrives as a four-door, five-seat luxury electric vehicle priced at approximately €550,000 (around $626,000–$640,000).
Its minimalist styling, created in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom and designer Marc Newson, has divided opinion. Critics argue the car resembles a futuristic technology product rather than a traditional Ferrari, while countless social media memes have compared it to everything from a vacuum cleaner to generic electric vehicles.
Despite the backlash, Ferrari insists the design is driven primarily by aerodynamic efficiency rather than styling alone.
Ferrari Says Innovation Should Not Be Mistaken for Losing Identity
Fulgenzi acknowledged that Ferrari’s divisive new EV car may not immediately look like a conventional Ferrari but stressed that appearance alone does not define the brand.
He explained that the Luce features the most complex bodyshell Ferrari has ever engineered, with every surface optimized for aerodynamic performance. According to him, the car represents “a different kind of Ferrari” rather than a departure from the company’s DNA.
He also emphasized that once drivers get behind the wheel, they experience the same emotional connection and driving sensations that define every Ferrari model.
Performance Matches Ferrari’s Legendary Reputation
While the design has generated headlines, the Luce delivers performance worthy of the Ferrari badge.
The all-electric luxury model is powered by four electric motors producing a combined 1,050 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h, placing it among the fastest production electric vehicles in the world.
Ferrari believes these performance figures demonstrate that electrification does not compromise the driving excitement for which the brand is famous.
Ferrari Rejects Customer Purchase Rumors
Following the unveiling, reports suggested Ferrari was requiring its most loyal customers to purchase the Luce in order to qualify for future limited-edition petrol-powered models.
The company has firmly denied these claims, stating that customer demand remains strong and that buyers are not being forced into purchasing the new EV to maintain access to exclusive Ferrari vehicles.
Luxury EV Market Faces Growing Challenges
The mixed reaction to Ferrari’s divisive new EV car also reflects broader challenges facing the luxury automotive industry. Many high-end buyers remain reluctant to replace the emotional sound and character of high-performance combustion engines with silent electric powertrains.
These market conditions have already influenced Ferrari’s long-term strategy. Reports indicate the company has delayed its second planned electric vehicle until 2028 due to cooling global demand for premium performance EVs.
Ferrari is not alone in reassessing its electrification timeline. Luxury rivals, including Lamborghini, Porsche, and Maserati, have also slowed or adjusted their electric vehicle plans as consumer demand evolves.
Ferrari Remains Confident in Its Electric Vision
Although Ferrari’s divisive new EV car has become one of the most talked-about automotive launches of the year and contributed to an initial decline in investor confidence following its debut, Ferrari remains convinced that opinions will change over time.
The company believes the Luce combines advanced electric technology, world-class engineering, and unmistakable Ferrari performance. As customers spend more time experiencing the vehicle in person and behind the wheel, Ferrari expects the initial criticism to give way to broader appreciation for its bold step into the electric future.
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