Maranello,
9 october 2025 – Ferrari
has chosen Capital Markets Day 2025, as the occasion to reveal the
production-ready chassis and components of its new electric car, the first
full-electric model in the history of the Prancing Horse. This model is a
milestone in the brand’s multi-energy strategy, which encompasses internal
combustion engines, HEV and PHEV powertrains, and now, fully electric drive.
The product
of a radically new and innovative approach, the new Ferrari Elettrica combines
state of the art technology with superlative performance and the extraordinary
driving pleasure that distinguishes every Ferrari model. Remaining true to the
marque’s engineering and artisanal traditions, each of the main components of
this car has been developed and is manufactured in-house to ensure that the new
Ferrari Elettrica also delivers the peerless levels of performance and
uniqueness that only Ferrari can offer.
This car
can be considered the culmination of a long journey of technological research
into electrification that began with the first hybrid solutions derived from
the 2009 Formula 1 car. From the 599 HY-KERS prototype of 2010 to the 2013
LaFerrari del 2013, and from the SF90 Stradale – the Maranello-based marque’s
first plug-in hybrid – and the 296 GTB to the 849 Testarossa presented
recently, Ferrari has built and consolidated the know-how needed to develop an
electric car capable of excelling in every dimension.
The
strategy leading Ferrari towards the first electric model in its history was
clear from the outset: that a model such as this would only be introduced once
the technology available could ensure the superlative performance and authentic
driving experience befitting the values of the brand. The project is now ready
to go into production and boasts over 60 patented proprietary technological
solutions. For the first time, both the chassis and bodyshell are manufactured
with 75% recycled aluminium, contributing to an astonishing overall saving of
6.7 tons of CO2 for every vehicle built.
The
architecture features short overhangs, an advanced driving position close to
the front axle, and a battery integrated completely into the floorpan. The
modules are installed between the front and rear axles, with 85% of them
concentrated in the lowest position possible to lower the centre of gravity and
benefit driving dynamics. Notably, the Ferrari Elettrica gains a dynamic edge
from a centre of gravity 80 mm lower than an equivalent ICE model.
At the
rear, Ferrari has introduced the first separate subframe in its history. It has
been designed to reduce noise and vibration perceived in the cabin while still
ensuring the stiffness and driving dynamics expected from a car from Maranello.
The third generation of the 48 V active suspension system - originally
introduced on the Purosangue and evolved for the F80 - takes ride comfort, body
control and vehicle dynamics to even greater heights by distributing cornering
forces optimally over the four wheels.
The first
all-electric Ferrari is equipped with two electric axles developed and built
entirely in-house, each with a pair of synchronous permanent magnet engines and
Halbach array rotors derived from F1 technology and industrialised for a series
production application. The front axle has a power density of 3.23 kW/kg and an
efficiency of 93% at peak power, while the rear axle attains a power density of
4.8 kW/kg and the same peak efficiency. Capable of delivering up to 300 kW, the
front inverter is fully integrated into the axle and weighs just 9 kg.
Designed
and assembled in Maranello, the battery has an energy density of almost 195
Wh/kg – the highest of any electric car – and features a cooling system
designed to optimise heat distribution and performance.
The three
driving modes available – Range, Tour and Performance – determine how energy,
available power and traction are managed. The paddles behind the steering wheel
let the driver access five progressively higher levels of torque and power
delivery to offer a sensation of gradual acceleration and involvement.
The dynamic
parameters acquired by the Vehicle Control Unit are updated 200 times per
second to predictively manage suspension, traction and steering functions and
ensure unparalleled agility, stability and precision.
And then
the sound – a distinctive trait of every Ferrari – has been developed to
accentuate the unique characteristics of the electric powertrain. A high
precision sensor picks up the mechanical vibrations of the powertrain
components, which are amplified to offer an authentic aural experience that
reflects the dynamic driving experience and provides the driver with direct
aural feedback.
The
unveiling of the new Electric Ferrari will continue in early 2026 with a
preview of the look-and-feel of the interior design concepts. A few months
later, in spring next year, the journey will culminate with the World Premiere
where this harmonious blend of technology and design will be revealed.
CHASSIS
The chassis of the new Ferrari Elettrica has an extremely short wheelbase. Inspiration for the architecture came from mid/rear-engined berlinetta models, with a driving position that places the driver near the front wheels to offer the purest dynamic feedback while also facilitating accessibility and maximising comfort like on more GT-oriented models in the Ferrari range.
Opting for this layout brought significant
engineering challenges, especially regarding energy absorption in the event of
a crash, given the higher overall weight of an electric car. Ferrari chose an
innovative solution: the front shock towers play a direct role in energy
absorption during an impact, while the position of the front electric engines
and inverter are designed to dissipate energy before it reaches the chassis
nodes, maximising safety and preserving structural integrity.
In the central part of the chassis, the battery
is integrated completely into the chassis and situated under the floorpan of
the car. This design solution helped minimise the overall weight of the
battery/chassis system and places the battery pack in the lowest possible
position in the vehicle.
The chassis also serves a structural protection
function for the battery pack, which is placed within the chassis itself, with
spaces between the modules and the sills, to ensure that the energy is absorbed
completely by the sills in case of a side-on impact. The cells are concentrated
at the centre of the modules, contributing further to energy absorption, while
the lower module cooling plate also offers protection against intrusion in case
of impact from underneath. The patented, proprietary battery pack assembly
process also increases structural stiffness.
The performance objectives for the rear axle
were clear from the start: we had to reduce rolling noise and powertrain
vibration while maintaining the handling typical of a Ferrari and minimising
any weight penalties this could bring.
The answer to these goals was to develop the
first elasticised mechanical subframe in Ferrari history. The transmission of
noise, vibration and harshness had to be reduced as much as possible to ensure
on-board comfort. So to preserve driving pleasure, we designed a subframe
architecture which maximises the spacing between the elastomeric bushes: a
solution ensuring the same stiffness as a rigid subframe under lateral loads,
while still providing the compliance needed to attain the ride comfort goals.
We used specific bushes to filter rolling noise
from the tyres and vibration from the electric axle. These were designed to
combine high lateral stiffness with increased vertical and longitudinal
flexibility to isolate against vibration from the road without compromising
driving dynamics.
This design choice led to a subframe of
considerable size, which posed another challenge: keeping the weight of the
system down. Inspiration for the solution came from the hollow chassis castings
used on the rest of the chassis, and this technology was adapted for this new
context. The result is the largest one-piece hollow casting ever produced by
Ferrari. Despite the high degree of integration between all the components of
the system, no compromises were made in terms of accessibility for maintenance.
The system connecting the subframe to the
chassis allows the rear axle, suspension components and battery to be serviced
independently, as they are encapsulated in a single, integrated load-bearing
structure. Additionally, the active suspension system inverters are housed
directly in the subframe, using their mass to contribute to isolating vibration
without having to add other passive components.
The end
result is a subframe which, in return for a weight gain of just a few kilos
over a conventional rigid solution, ensures a rear suspension system that makes
no compromises in driving pleasure while significantly reducing perceived
noise. A solution that heightens comfort in day-to-day use while sacrificing
none of Ferrari’s hallmark dynamic DNA.
E-AXLES
The front and rear axles comprise two independent electric engines each, which work in concert to enable torque vectoring and improve the car’s dynamic behaviour.
Every part of both the front and rear axles was
developed entirely in-house by Ferrari to attain the extraordinary performance
typical of the marque. The transmission, inverters and electrical engines are
all designed for total control, superlative power density, extreme electrical
efficiency and low noise emissions. Fabricating the castings in-house in
Ferrari’s own foundry also ensures impeccable build quality allowing the
company to keep the entire production process under tight control. All castings
are produced with secondary aluminium alloy, a choice that let us cut CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared
with conventional alloys with no compromise in mechanical performance.
The front axle, with a total power output of
210 kW, can be decoupled at any speed (up to top speed) to transform the car to
rear-wheel drive and maximise efficiency and consumption in driving situations
where four-wheel drive isn’t needed. Under full acceleration, the axle can
deliver up to 3500 Nm to the wheels.
The unparalleled lightness and compactness of
the axle were made possible by integrating its components, and all the power
electronics are installed directly on the axle. As well as reducing overall
dimensions, this choice also improves efficiency and power density: the front
axle achieves a power density of 3.23 kW/kg, and an efficiency of 93% at peak
power output.
The outputs of the front and rear axles are
asymmetric: the rear axle has a maximum power output of 620 kW, equating to a
density of 4.8 kW/kg, and an efficiency of 93% at peak power output. The
maximum rear torque transferrable to the tarmac is a staggering 8000 Nm in
Performance Launch mode.
The front axle includes the disconnect system,
which decouples the electric engines completely from the wheels to strike the
ideal balance between efficiency and consumption. In the eManettino position
for highway driving, the car is in pure rear-wheel drive mode. When dynamic
conditions also call for traction from the front axle, the system automatically
engages the two front engines and enables all-wheel drive. In the other two
eManettino positions, the Electric Ferrari is in all-wheel drive configuration
at all times.
The all-new disconnect system employs
sophisticated gear synchronising technology borrowed from today’s
state-of-the-art transmissions. The results are astonishing: the system is 70%
lighter than the previous generation and can engage or disengage the engines in
just 500 milliseconds. A solution combining lightness, efficiency and driving
pleasure.
The
axles are lubricated by a circuit delivering exactly the right amount of oil to
keep the gears and mechanisms in the ideal condition for maximum efficiency.
The dry sump lubrication system consists of a pump and a heat exchanger
integrated into the axle. The circuit uses a main valve to activate the
lubrication and deliver the pressure necessary for the actuators. Two
additional valves manage the disconnect function and engagement and
disengagement of the park lock on the rear axle. This architecture contributes
to simplifying and reducing the overall weight of the system.
ELECTRIC ENGINES
The development of the permanent magnet synchronous engines equipping the axles pushed current technology to its limits. The motorsport heritage shows: the impressive torque and power density figures were achieved with sophisticated design and minute attention to every detail, optimised geometry and the use of materials offering the best performance.
High rotational speeds – 25,500 rpm at the rear
and 30,000 rpm at the front – allow these engines to deliver a peak power of
310 kW and 105 kW respectively, but with compact dimensions enabling a
space-saving axle architecture. The rotor employs surface-mounted permanent
magnets, segmented for higher efficiency, while the motorsports-derived Halbach
array configuration directs the magnetic flux towards the stator to maximise
torque density and reduce overall weight.
The stator, on the other hand, features
ultra-thin (0.2 mm) non-oriented grain silicon-iron laminations, stacked with a
self-bonding process to minimise the probability of short circuits between the
individual laminations. The concentrated winding stator configuration minimises
end winding height, while the connections of the individual teeth are soldered
to a compact and efficient terminal block. A Litz wire configuration is used to
minimise losses in the windings caused by the skin and proximity effects. This
advanced solution ensures optimal performance even in very high-frequency
conditions with large phase currents.
To improve heat transfer from the copper
windings to the external cooling circuit, the stator is fully
vacuum-impregnated with a high thermal conductivity resin offering a thermal
conductivity 40 times higher than air. This resin also improves the mechanical
strength of the stator allowing it to better withstand the stress of operation.
The dynamic performance capabilities of these engines
are astonishing: with a maximum angular acceleration of 45,000 rpm/s, the front
engines spin up from stationary to maximum speed in under one second. This
ensures that the system is not just powerful but also instantly responsive.
These extraordinary results were also made
possible by industrialising processes which, until now, were the domain of
prototype production: to counter the centrifugal forces experienced at high
speeds, 1.6 mm thick carbon sleeves weighing just a few grammes are press-fit
into the rotor to safeguard the integrity of the magnets with only a negligible
impact on weight and virtually no increase in the rotor-stator air gap. The
carbon sleeves hold the magnet in place just 0.5 mm from the stator and are
capable of withstanding extreme mechanical stress: at 30,000 rpm, the
individual magnets on the front rotor, while weighing just 93 grammes, generate
a centrifugal force equating to a pressure of 390 bar (or 2.7 tons).
The
result is an extremely compact and very high-performance electric engine which
Ferrari has thus been able to fit to both the Ferrari Elettrica and the front
axle of the F80 supercar, the model this solution was first developed for.
BATTERY
Designed and assembled completely in-house by Ferrari, the battery has been integrated into the floorpan, lowering the centre of gravity by 80 mm over an equivalent ICE model.
The centre zone of the car was developed with
an integrated optimisation approach to both minimise the weight and increase
the stiffness of the battery/chassis system.
The layout of the cells is designed to minimise
inertia and lower the centre of gravity, placing them where possible behind the
driver seat. 85% of the weight of the modules is situated under the floorpan,
while the remainder is located under the rear seat: a solution that made it
possible to shorten the wheelbase and minimise inertia to maximise driving
pleasure in all situations, with an optimal weight distribution of 47–53%.
The layout of the front seats is designed to
accommodate the cells without sacrificing any space for the rear occupants and
ensured the distribution of the cells without compromising the centre of
gravity of the car. The driver’s seat was positioned further forwards also
redefining the layout of the rear seats, which are more reclined, to offer even
better on-board comfort.
The aim to reduce weight was pursued with a
global structural approach, shifting some of the protection function from the
battery pack to the car’s body. So the chassis itself also protects the cells,
which are placed as far as possible from zones exposed to the risk of impact.
The gap between the cell and the sill acts as an energy-absorbing crumple zone
and also houses the cooling lines. The same principle was also applied for
front and rear crash protection: the cells in the battery module itself are concentrated
in the middle, with the area around them used as energy-absorbing zones to
protect the cells and minimise inertia. To ensure protection against accidental
impact from underneath, the cells are suspended from the floor, a solution that
created an energy-absorbing gap and let us minimise the weight of the
protective shield. The result is a very thin aluminium shell structure, an
element made even more efficient on the car by integrating the cooling plates
into it: the cooling water contributes to keeping the centre of gravity low and
to absorbing energy in the event of an impact, with no compromise in safety.
The transverse elements ensuring the stiffness
and strength of the system are the die-cast compression plates of the cells
themselves, which also incorporate the fastener points for fixing the battery
to the chassis.
This means that the battery is no longer an
independent block: it follows Ferrari’s philosophy of making total integration
central to all development, becoming a structural element that has been pared
down to the absolute essential with just two shells. Once fastened to the
chassis (with 20 central anchor points), the lower shell contributes actively
to the stiffness of the bodyshell. This is the opposite approach to the
previous generation of monolithic batteries, and this let us set
record-breaking numbers: an energy density of almost 195 Wh/kg, and a power
density of approximately 1.3 kW/kg, which are both best-in-class figures. The
result is one of the most competitive battery/chassis systems in the world, and
it was entirely designed and manufactured in-house at Maranello. The concept of
integration has been taken to the extreme, but without compromising
serviceability and the ability to replace the battery and/or its components if
needed, so that the Ferrari Elettrica model will also meet Ferrari’s uncompromising
approach to building cars that will last forever.
The cooling system consists of a set of
internal pipes and three cooling plates (two fastened to the housing plus a
smaller pipe cooling the upper modules). Multiple flows are handled in a single
metal unit, with both delivery and return flows fed through the same cooling
plate to ensure uniform temperature and longer cell life. While contained
within the battery itself, the battery cooling circuit is integrated completely
into the primary vehicle cooling system, and incorporates the coolant flows for
other components from the front of the car to the rear and vice versa.
The 15-module configuration (six dual rows, one
single row and two upper modules) makes optimal use of the available space
without lengthening the wheelbase, to the benefit of the agility of the car.
Each module contains 14 resistance-welded cells separated by insulating
partitions and conductive metal partitions, while thermal paste applied to the
modules and the cooling plates optimises heat management. The cells, with an
energy density exceeding 305 Wh/kg and a capacity of 159 Ah, were developed
specifically to meet the high-performance targets for this application.
Integrated in each module is a flex PCB and an
electronic control unit (CSC) installed on board the module itself, which
dialogues with the Battery Management System (BMS) housed in the E-Box. Both
the CSC and the BMS were developed in-house at Maranello with proprietary
algorithms and operating strategies. As well as the BMS, the E-Box also
contains fuses, relays and sensors, and manages both electrical power and
communication over the car’s CAN line. Rated operating voltage is approximately
800 V, with 210 cells in series, with a peak current of up to 1200 A and RMS
values up to 550 A. The system is protected by a main fuse capable of cutting
current in just 3 milliseconds in the event of short-circuits – whether inside
or outside the battery – exceeding 2000 A.
The battery’s internal connections and front
and rear connectors allow it to supply power to both the front and rear
inverters, as well as all auxiliary systems, without requiring extensive
external cabling along the vehicle. Sized for the currents involved, the
central busbars form safe and reliable electrical connections even in very
tight spaces without reducing conductor cross-section. Attention to detail can
be seen in every solution applied, demonstrating how each design choice follows
the same philosophy of uncompromising efficiency, lightness and performance.
The
battery is designed to be removable and repairable if needed. It can be removed
using a dedicated carrier to allow modules or electronic battery components to
be replaced without damaging structural elements or the finish of the car.
INVERTERS
The inverters on this car are another example of Ferrari engineering taking drivetrain technology to the limit, combining extreme performance with compact dimensions and total control. The inverters transform the DC high voltage electrical energy of the battery into AC current for powering the electric engines and, conversely, transform the energy recovered by regenerative braking from AC to DC to recharge the battery pack.
The front inverter is integrated directly in
the front axle to save space and weight, and controls both of the front engines
simultaneously, delivering up to 300 kW of overall power while weighing just 9
kg. The heart of this system is the Ferrari Power Pack (FPP), an integrated
power module containing all the components needed for very high-performance
power conversion in an extremely compact package: namely, six modules in
silicon carbide (SiC), gate driver boards and an integrated cooling system.
The driver board is the interface between the
high- and low-voltage sides and manages the behaviour of the power MOSFETs.
Each board drives three modules, each consisting of 16 MOSFETs, which,
alongside the integrated 800 V - 48 V DC/DC converter, ensure precision and
responsiveness in the distribution of torque to the pair of engines. The
inverter switching frequency, which varies from 10 to 42 kHz depending on the
specifications of the application, has been painstakingly calibrated to balance
efficiency, acoustic comfort and heat management, and to optimise engine
response without compromising the overall integration of the system. Higher
frequencies allow for more precise control, reduced noise and vibration (NVH),
and more compact filters, but with trade-offs in terms of efficiency and
cooling. Lower frequencies improve efficiency but can generate noise and
harmonic torque ripple. The choice of frequencies is therefore crucial in
striking the right balance between comfort, energy efficiency and the effective
mechanical and heat management integration of the system.
One of the key innovative solutions is
toggling, a specific strategy used for the rear axle which periodically
switches the inverter between on and standby states so that it works at the
optimal operating points to improve overall efficiency without compromising its
ability to fulfil the torque request received from the driver.
The strategy maintains the desired mean torque
by frequency modulation of the torque itself at approximately 100 Hz: wheel
torque is zero for half of the period and twice the target value for the other
half, so that the mean torque exactly matches the driver’s request and the
system delivers the required performance at any operating point. The result is
approximately 10 km more range in highway driving conditions with no sacrifice
in terms of performance.
Precision
and quietness are also improved by the Ferrari Order Noise Cancellation system,
which combines two software strategies denominated Sound Injection and Resonant
Controller. These two systems monitor and selectively cancel undesirable
current harmonics produced by the engines, eliminating high-pitched whine and
reducing losses without affecting performance.
SOUND
The result is an
authentic voice unique to the electric engine which, however, only makes itself
heard when functionally useful, providing feedback to the driver and enhancing
the sensation of dynamic response. In normal driving situations, silence is preferred
to maximise acoustic comfort, but when the driver requests torque from the
powertrain by accelerating or uses the shift paddles in manual mode, the sound
activates to offer dialogue and connection between driver and car.
The sound stage is generated by a sophisticated
control system developed entirely in-house, which turns the auditory feedback
into an integral part of the driving experience.
The architectural freedom offered by the electric powertrain, with its lower centre of gravity, paved the way for a considerable evolution in the active suspension system used on the Ferrari Purosangue and Ferrari’s latest supercar, the F80.
A lower centre of gravity reduces the active forces needed to control
roll and pitch, and this enabled the definition of a new balance between
handling and comfort. The result is a major step forwards over the first
application of the active suspension system, combining even greater precision
in driving dynamics with superior vertical comfort.
The most significate upgrade concerns the recirculating ball screw
connected to the electric motor, the heart of the system. The screw has a 20%
longer pitch and can better absorb and control vertical impact due to the
smaller inertial forces transferred to the chassis of the car. The electric
motor produces the same torque as in previous applications, and actively
controls the forces exchanged between the chassis, tyre and road without
forcing a trade-off between variable suspension stiffness and body control.
The shock absorbers feature a new optimised design that has reduced
weight by 2 kg and now include an integrated thermocouple for monitoring and
controlling lubrication oil temperature to ensure consistent behaviour in both
hot and cold conditions.
Unlike on prior applications, the suspension override button is no
longer included on the Manettino, a choice that has let us separate the ride
comfort settings from the other control systems.
The active suspension
system gives each of the four wheel modules the freedom to control vertical
forces independently. This, together with the four-engin architecture of the
powertrain and four-wheel steering, makes this the first Ferrari with actuators
offering control over vertical, longitudinal and lateral forces in all dynamic
conditions, allowing the Ferrari Elettrica to deliver the driving thrills typical
of a car bearing the Prancing Horse badge.
TORQUE SHIFT ENGAGEMENT
A sensation of constantly surging acceleration has always been a hallmark of Ferrari cars. The Ferrari Elettrica uses Torque Shift Engagement, a strategy that takes advantage of the optimised dimensional characteristics and instant response of the electric engines, to deliver an exciting and involving driving experience. Ferrari’s engineers have defined five levels of power and torque selectable sequentially from the right-hand shift paddle to deliver progressively stronger acceleration over a very broad range of speeds. The instantaneous response of the electric engines makes it possible to smooth out the transitions between one level and another so that the inevitable dip in torque is practically imperceptible, giving the driver the time to truly savour the resulting acceleration and offering the sensation of relentless thrust.
When braking, on the other
hand, the left-hand paddle can be used to replicate the behaviour of a
progressively more intense engine braking effect, calibrated specifically to
offer an even more exciting driving experience..
MANETTINO AND EMANETTINO
There are two controllers on the steering wheel that can be used by the driver to tailor their experience. The familiar Manettino on the right selects the settings of the vehicle dynamic control systems: from Ice mode, which maximises stability and maintains all-wheel drive for very low grip conditions, to the extreme ESC-Off mode, in which only the most indispensable systems are enabled – namely active suspension and front torque vectoring – leaving the rear axle unfettered to offer pure, exhilarating driving pleasure. The new Dry mode debuts on this car, which is conceived for day-to-day driving and slots in between Wet and Sport modes.
On the left is the eManettino, which controls the settings of the energy
architecture of the car. The power on tap, number of driven axles (RWD or AWD)
and the maximum performance attainable differ depending on the mode selected.
Three configurations are available, for three different driving styles.
TYRES
Innovation also extended to the development of the tyres. The three different suppliers involved were called upon to address a bold new challenge: to drastically reduce rolling resistance with no sacrifice in handling, both in dry and wet conditions. The result is a 15% decrease in rolling resistance, achieved with no impact on grip and safety in all driving conditions.
The car’s lower centre of gravity and inertia
translate to reduced load transfer between the axles during dynamic manoeuvres,
putting less strain on the tyres, and this opened the possibility of exploring
novel construction solutions. This in turn offered new opportunities for
calibration and performance, and a refined balance between efficiency, comfort
and sports capability.
The
work of the three suppliers involved in development came to fruition in a
choice of five dedicated tyres: with three designed for dry use, one winter
variant, and one with run-flat technology. A choice that extends the
versatility of this car without compromising Ferrari’s signature performance
character.