Ahead of the 2026 Ferrari Elettrica’s full reveal next year, the famous prancing horse brand has given us our first look at some of its pioneering EV hardware, including its quad-motor powertrain, class-leading battery pack, and sophisticated chassis tech it hopes will overshadow rivals like Lamborghini and Bentley.
The headline news is all the advanced new tech has been developed in-house by Ferrari itself, continuing the brand’s electrification journey that started in F1 back in 2009 and continued with the plug-in hybrid 2013 LaFerrari, 2019 SF90 Stradale, and 2021 296 Speciale.
Instead of creating a sleek supercar to challenge the Rimac Nevera, spy shots suggest the new Ferrari will look more like a high-riding four-door coupe with a radical driving position that places the driver almost above the front axle.
All will be revealed next year when the drapes are pulled off the Elettrica (which will switch names to something more exotic), but under the skin, we can confirm the all-new Ferrari has started from scratch by creating a bespoke aluminium architecture.
Created to rival new EVs like the inbound Bentley ‘urban SUV’ and Lamborghini Lanzador, Ferrari says it’s sourced its pouch cells from Korea’s SK battery experts, with the 15 modules that make up the 122kWh battery pack all built in a new factory in Maranello and sit tucked away beneath the floor, sandwiched by a pair of neat water cooled armoured plates.
Setting a new industry standard for energy density, Ferrari says the new battery is lighter than its rivals’ as it packs in an impressive 195Wh per kilogram, which is admirable if you conveniently ignore NIO’s semi-solid-state power pack (240Wh/kg).
While the range is yet to be fully homologated, Ferrari says despite a near class-best energy density, it only expects the Elettrica to be capable of covering around 530km on a full charge – not a huge amount, considering the battery's size.
And there’s more bad news when it comes to charging; even though it sports powerful 880V electrics, the DC charging rate is limited to 350kW, with a 10-80 per cent top-up tipped to be around 25 minutes.
The lack of efficiency might have something to do with the imposing power output from the quad-motor powertrain, which has been promised to exceed 1000hp (736kW).
Predictably rear-biased, the two e-motors driving the front axles output a combined 210kW while the two rear units produce a far more muscular 620kW (combined).
Both set-ups are remarkable considering their power outputs and modest size, neatly packaging the motors, transmission and power electronics in one aluminium casing.
Thanks to its headline power, Ferrari says its Elettrica will match the very quickest supercars off the line, launching from 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds before topping out at 310km/h.
Saving weight, the Ferrari e-motors can spin up at far higher rpms than traditional motors from the likes of Tesla, which means there’s no need for a Porsche-style two-speed transmission.
More kilo-cutting comes from extensive use of aluminium for both the space-frame chassis and all the suspension parts, however engineers have equipped the Elettrica with both the roll-cancelling active suspension tech from the F80 and a new rear-wheel steering system to boost agility.
Total weight is tipped to be around 2300kg, which isn’t too bad for an all-electric SUV.
A low centre of gravity will pair with a near optimum 47:53 weight distribution to supposedly deliver an “unbelievable” drive worthy of that prancing horse logo.
For those worried the Italian brand might pump fake noise into the cabin, engineers took inspiration from electric guitars by mounting sensors to the rear axle that translate the stirring vibrations made from the rising rpm of the motors, amplify them and then pipe the sounds into the cabin.
We don’t know what it sounds like yet, but one engineer promised the authentic soundtrack adds drama and finally provides that meaningful connection missing from other EVs.
Two large paddles will be mounted behind the steering wheel to mimic the sensation of changing gears and engine braking.
While Ferrari may be targeting Lamborghini and Bentley, it will be interesting to see how the entirely self-developed Elettrica goes against the production version of the Mercedes-AMG GT XX which will launch harder, offer a heap more power (1000kW) and go a lot faster (360km/h).
Even though the silver star of the Benz doesn’t quite have the same allure as the prancing horse, and Ferrari’s promise of a dynamic and emotional winner, the German marque could ultimately prove victorious when it comes to attracting wealthy EV fans.