Ferrari President discusses the origins of the electric Ferrari Luce

At the Wave by Vento conference in Turin, Ferrari President John Elkann discussed the development and reception of the Ferrari Luce, the brand’s first fully electric vehicle. Elkann noted that while the company did not intend to create a controversial model, the intense public debate following its presentation has actually strengthened the company’s conviction in the project.

The origins of the Luce date back to a 2016 conversation between Elkann and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. During a walk, Bezos reportedly advised Elkann to seriously consider electric vehicles, emphasizing innovation over automotive expertise. This interaction served as a catalyst for Maranello to begin exploring battery-powered models.

Designer Jony Ive and his firm, LoveFrom, played a central role in the project. Before finalizing the car's design, the team spent a year researching Ferrari’s history and culture, eventually producing four research volumes for the company. The design process for the Luce spanned approximately five years between San Francisco and Maranello.