Ferrari Luce EV Sold Out Through 2027 Despite Design Backlash
New orders now face a one-year wait, with the first production unit recently selling for $40 million at auction.
Ferrari’s first all-electric vehicle, the Luce, has been fully allocated for the 2027 model year, the automaker announced during its third-quarter earnings call on Tuesday. Despite facing significant online criticism for its radical design and a starting price of $560,800 in the U.S., demand for the electric supercar has not wavered.
What Happened
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed that the units planned for sale next year are all allocated. Customers placing orders now must wait approximately one year for delivery. The company did not disclose the total number of units planned for production or provide a regional breakdown of the orders. The Luce, designed in collaboration with Jony Ive’s LoveFrom, features a higher-riding silhouette and is Ferrari's first five-seat car, marking a distinct departure from the brand's traditional low-slung aesthetics. This unconventional design has sparked debate, with some critics questioning its alignment with Ferrari's heritage. However, Vigna noted that buyer perception improves significantly once customers drive the vehicle in person.
Why It Matters
The strong demand for the Luce highlights a bifurcation in the EV market where luxury buyers prioritize brand exclusivity and performance over conventional design cues or practical metrics like range. While the Luce offers 1,035 horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of 2.5 seconds, its 530-kilometer (329-mile) WLTP range and 350-kilowatt peak charging speed are modest compared to other high-end EVs. This suggests that for the ultra-wealthy demographic, the value proposition lies in engineering pedigree and scarcity rather than daily usability. The recent sale of the first production unit, "Chassis 0," for $40 million at auction further underscores the collector value and financial appetite for Ferrari's entry into the electric segment, contrasting with rivals like Lamborghini which has shelved its EV plans in favor of hybrids.
The Bottom Line
Ferrari has successfully navigated design controversy with its first EV, selling out its 2027 allocation for the Luce. With a one-year waiting list and a record-breaking auction price for the first unit, the brand demonstrates that its core clientele remains committed to the Prancing Horse, regardless of the powertrain or aesthetic shifts.
