In a surprising but telling turn of events, Ferrari is hitting the brakes on its electric future—at least temporarily. While the legendary Italian marque is preparing to launch its first-ever electric vehicle in 2026, the model will be a limited-edition, symbolic milestone rather than a true entry into the mass market. The real test—Ferrari’s second and first mass-produced electric model—has reportedly been delayed until at least 2028, and may even be scrapped entirely.
According to a Reuters report citing anonymous sources within the company, the reason is blunt: there’s virtually no demand for an electric Ferrari.
This news reflects a broader stagnation in the electric vehicle (EV) market, especially in the high-end performance sector. While electric cars have steadily gained traction in urban and commuter segments, the allure hasn’t translated to the world of exotic sports cars. Customers who spend hundreds of thousands on brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini still crave the visceral roar of combustion engines—something electric drivetrains struggle to replicate.
Ferrari, like fellow EV-hopefuls Rimac and Maserati, is learning this the hard way. Despite the technological promise of instant torque and lightning-fast acceleration, electric supercars appear to be a solution in search of a problem that buyers don’t think exists.
Ferrari’s first electric model, due in 2026, will remain a collector’s piece—limited in number and intended more as a brand milestone than a commercial breakthrough. The follow-up model, originally expected by late 2026 or 2027, was planned as a full-production vehicle. But with projected sales of 5,000 to 6,000 units over five years now looking wildly optimistic, the project has been quietly pushed back to 2028.
However, the delay does come with a potential silver lining. Ferrari now has more time to refine its EV technologies. The company has already filed patents for a “virtual engine and transmission system” designed to simulate the auditory and tactile experience of a traditional Ferrari. This mirrors a similar innovation from Hyundai in its critically acclaimed Ioniq 5 N, which uses artificial gear shifts and synthetic sound to enhance driver engagement.
Still, the road ahead is uncertain. Ferrari isn’t alone in rethinking its electric ambitions. Lamborghini recently pushed back its first EV launch from 2028 to 2029, and Maserati has reportedly shelved its electric MC20 altogether.
These delays suggest a hard truth: the emotional connection that fuels the supercar market doesn’t plug in as easily as the cars themselves. As EVs evolve, performance may no longer be the ultimate differentiator—but in the world of Italian exotica, passion and experience still reign supreme.
Whether Ferrari can eventually bridge that gap remains to be seen. For now, it’s clear that Maranello is in no rush to replace the roar of a V12 with the whisper of electrons.
Source: Reuters
