Maserati’s plans for an all-electric future have hit a major roadblock as the automaker officially cancels the MC20 Folgore, the electric version of its high-performance supercar. The decision comes in the wake of Stellantis withdrawing approximately $1.5 billion in investment, raising concerns about Maserati’s commitment to electrification and the brand’s long-term strategy.
The Italian luxury automaker had initially announced the MC20 Folgore in 2020 as part of a broader push towards battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The model was expected to deliver a powerful 700-horsepower tri-motor setup, making it one of the most anticipated supercars in Maserati’s lineup. However, after several delays and shifting timelines, Maserati has now scrapped the project entirely, citing market dynamics and consumer preferences as key reasons.
Why Maserati Scrapped the MC20 Folgore
Maserati’s official statement on the cancellation highlighted a perceived lack of demand among supercar buyers for all-electric powertrains. According to internal market research, customers in the high-performance sports car segment remain strongly inclined toward internal combustion engines (ICE), particularly the MC20’s twin-turbocharged V6 Nettuno engine.
“Market studies for the super sports car segment, and especially for MC20 customers, have demonstrated that they are very keen on driving powerful ICE engines and are not ready to switch to BEVs for the foreseeable future,” Maserati explained.
This assessment underscores the broader challenges luxury automakers face in transitioning their high-performance vehicles to electric propulsion. While consumer interest in electric SUVs and luxury sedans has been growing, supercars remain an ICE-dominated space where sound, emotion, and mechanical engagement are key selling points.
What’s Next for the MC20?
With the MC20 Folgore out of the picture, Maserati has shifted focus to enhancing the existing ICE-powered MC20. Reports suggest that the company is working on a significant update to the model, incorporating advanced features inspired by the track-focused MC20 GT2 Stradale.
Enthusiasts can expect improvements in aerodynamics, chassis tuning, and possibly even a power boost for the Nettuno engine. Maserati remains committed to refining its flagship supercar while leveraging customer preferences that currently favor ICE-powered machines.
Implications for Maserati’s EV Roadmap
The cancellation of the MC20 Folgore raises questions about Maserati’s broader EV strategy. The brand had previously announced plans for a large electric SUV in 2027 and a Quattroporte EV in 2028—both of which have already been delayed from earlier launch targets. With Stellantis retracting its investment, Maserati may face additional hurdles in executing its transition to electrification.
This shift also casts doubt on the fate of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale EV, a supercar that shares its platform with the MC20. Alfa Romeo had promised an electric variant with 750 horsepower and a 240-mile range, but given the limited production of only 33 units, it remains unclear whether Alfa Romeo will proceed with the electric version.
A Supercar Market Still Rooted in ICE
Maserati’s decision aligns with a larger industry trend where high-end sports car buyers still prefer combustion engines despite the global push toward EVs. Ferrari and Lamborghini, for example, have opted for hybridized approaches rather than full electrification in their most recent models.
While Maserati remains committed to developing electric vehicles in the long term, the MC20 Folgore’s cancellation signals a more measured approach. For now, it appears that Maserati will continue to focus on refining its ICE lineup, ensuring that its supercars maintain their appeal to traditional enthusiasts while keeping an eye on the evolving automotive landscape.
With shifting priorities and unpredictable market trends, Maserati’s electrification journey remains a work in progress—one that will require balancing innovation with consumer demand.
