Ferrari has unveiled the powertrain and chassis of its first fully electric vehicle, which it plans to launch next year, and said it expects EVs to make up 20 percent of its lineup by 2030.
The figure is lower than a previous plan three years ago to electrify 40 percent of its cars by the end of the decade.
Carmakers in Europe and the US have pulled back on ambitious EV plans, citing lack of demand.
Real engine noise
Ferrari said its debut EV, the Elettrica, is intended as a diversification of its range, rather than a transition, in a market where buyers prize the experience of driving an internal combustion engine.
A second Ferrari EV model is reportedly not planned until 2028, while Lamborghini has pushed back its first EV to 2029.
Porsche has begun selling EVs, but in August said it has seen slow demand in China and the US, although European sales were strong.
To attract interest from its large base of supercar buyers, Ferrari plans to capture powertrain vibrations through accelerometers in the rear axle, which will be amplified to create a roaring noise.
Many EVs generate a synthetic sound in place of natural engine noise.
Ferrari plans to manufacture critical components internally, including the battery system and software.
The Elettrica’s chassis and body shell are to be made of 75 percent recycled aluminium, reducing carbon emissions by 6.7 tonnes per vehicle.
Younger buyers
The car is to have a top speed of 310 kilometres per hour (193 mph) and a range of at least 530 km.
The car is intended to open a new market segment to bring in younger buyers who are attracted to electrification technology, Ferrari said.
The car builds on 15 years of EV research that was first used in its Formula One racing cars in 2009 and the limited edition La Ferrari hybrid supercar in 2013.
At its Maranello headquarters, Ferrari showed the chassis for the Elettrica with car base, battery pack and electric motors, but no shell or wheels.
The fast-charging battery is integrated into the floor to lower the car’s centre of gravity, helping with performance and speed.
