Ferrari, the legendary Italian sports car maker, is tapping the brakes on its second all-electric vehicle, with sources reporting the model will now launch in 2028, two years later than originally planned. The move underscores a broader slowdown in the luxury electric performance market, with even top names like Lamborghini and Maserati rethinking their EV timelines.
First Ferrari EV Still on Track for 2026
Despite the delay of its second model, Ferrari remains committed to rolling out its first EV in 2026. According to insiders, this debut car will be a low-volume, special-edition model designed to mark a symbolic milestone in Ferrari’s storied history. It will allow the brand to honor its promise of launching an electric car this decade, while giving the company time to gauge future demand.
Sources close to the project indicate the second EV was intended to be a higher-volume production model, likely moving 5,000 to 6,000 units over a five-year run, typical for Ferrari’s mainstream lineup. However, with current interest levels near “zero,” according to one source, that target is no longer feasible.
Ferrari Seeks More Time to Refine EV Tech
While customer demand is the primary driver of the delay, Ferrari will use the extra development time to further refine its EV technology. The automaker is reportedly pursuing innovative systems to deliver a more emotional driving experience, essential for a brand rooted in the sound and feel of high-revving V12s and V8s.
Patent filings suggest Ferrari is developing a virtual engine and transmission system for EVs, echoing the approach Hyundai successfully used in its Ioniq 5 N hot hatch. Such technologies could help bridge the sensory gap for traditional performance car enthusiasts transitioning to electric power.
Italian Rivals Also Shift Gears
Ferrari isn’t alone in adjusting its EV game plan. Lamborghini, another staple of Italian supercar culture, recently postponed its first electric vehicle launch from 2028 to 2029. Maserati, meanwhile, has canceled its electric version of the MC20 sports car altogether.
This wave of delays signals a broader recalibration across the high-performance EV sector. Global demand for electric vehicles, especially in the luxury and performance segments, has fallen short of early projections. Simultaneously, government initiatives to phase out gasoline-powered cars have slowed, with some regions delaying targets or easing proposed bans.
A Strategic Wait-and-See Approach
Ferrari’s decision reflects a prudent, market-sensitive strategy. Rather than risk launching a product that could underperform or alienate core customers, the brand is opting to wait until the market matures further or until consumer tastes shift more decisively toward electrification.
Should performance EV demand accelerate in the coming years, Ferrari will be better positioned to deliver a model that excites buyers and lives up to its brand promise. Until then, a cautious approach allows the Prancing Horse to stay firmly in control of its electrification journey.
