by Ferrari’s First Electric Car: New Opportunities for the Brand
Ferrari’s first electric car, which has received the working name Elettrica, could be key to reviving the brand’s sales in China. However, Chinese buyers will have to wait – deliveries will begin no earlier than October next year. In addition to environmental benefits, this model will receive significantly lower taxes compared to traditional Ferrari cars with internal combustion engines (ICE).
In China, taxes on cars with internal combustion engines can reach up to 400% of the car’s value, while for the Elettrica this figure is expected to be around 30%. This makes the electric model particularly attractive for the market, where demand for premium electric cars is growing rapidly.
Challenges for Ferrari in Asia
In the first quarter of this year, deliveries of Ferrari to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan fell by 25%, reaching the lowest level in the last four years. This is due to an economic slowdown in the region, which led to a 20% drop in sales of cars costing more than 500,000 yuan.
Recent patents suggest the Elettrica might feature fake sounds and a virtual transmission.
Ferrari plans to present the Elettrica’s powertrain as early as October this year, with the full debut of the model taking place in the spring of 2025. In size, the new model will be close to the Purosangue but slightly more compact. All key components – batteries, inverters, and electric motors – are being developed and will be manufactured in Italy.
Technological features may include the simulation of gearbox operation and sounds similar to those of an ICE, which has already been implemented in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The Elettrica’s electric motors will be able to reproduce the torque change characteristic of traditional engines, and “virtual gears” can be shifted both automatically and manually using paddles on the steering wheel.
Despite difficulties in the market, Ferrari continues to invest in electrification, counting on a long-term effect. The success of the Elettrica could determine the brand’s position in an era where even the most conservative manufacturers are forced to adapt to changes in the global automotive industry.
