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Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has criticised Ferrari’s first electric car, saying the Luce EV risks damaging the brand’s identity and legacy.
His remarks sparked debate online
Ferrari’s first electric car, the Luce EV, is facing criticism after former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo openly questioned the company’s new direction. His comments came shortly after the luxury carmaker unveiled the electric model, which has already sparked mixed reactions online.
Montezemolo, who led Ferrari during some of its most successful years in Formula 1 and business growth, said he was disappointed with where the company was heading. Speaking about the EV launch, he said reporters, “I cannot say what I really think: I would harm Ferrari… We risk the destruction of a legend.”
The former chairman also suggested that the car does not reflect Ferrari’s traditional identity. He even questioned whether the vehicle should carry Ferrari’s famous “Prancing Horse” badge at all.
His strongest remark, however, came while speaking about the car’s design. “At least the Chinese won’t copy this car,” he said, a statement many online saw as a sharp dig at the Luce EV’s styling.
Critics Question Ferrari’s New Direction
The Luce EV was unveiled in Rome on May 25 and marks Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle. Priced at around Rs 6 crore, the car represents a major shift for a brand long associated with loud petrol engines and high-performance sports cars.
Soon after the launch, social media users and several investors began sharing concerns about whether a fully electric Ferrari could still feel like a “real Ferrari.” Many users criticised the design, while others questioned if the brand was moving too far away from its roots.
Montezemolo’s comments only added to the growing debate online. Several users agreed with his concerns and said Ferrari’s identity was strongly linked to its engine sound and racing history.
Shares Drop after EV launch
The market reaction also reflected some of this uncertainty. Ferrari shares reportedly fell more than 6 per cent in Milan trading after the unveiling of the Luce EV.
Investors are believed to be worried about whether Ferrari buyers will fully accept an electric model, especially at a time when global demand for EVs remains uneven.
Former Ferrari chairman Montezemolo tears the new electric Ferrari “Luce” apart:“I cannot say what I really think: I would harm Ferrari. We risk the destruction of a legend. So sorry. Take the Prancing Horse off. At least the Chinese won’t copy this car” pic.twitter.com/3qYirOSCjH
— Antonello Guerrera (@antoguerrera) May 26, 2026
Despite the criticism, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna reportedly defended the company’s decision to enter the EV space. He described the Luce as the result of years of planning and development.
“Real innovation is not democratic,” Vigna reportedly said, suggesting that bold ideas often face resistance in the beginning.
The debate around the Luce EV has now turned into a larger conversation about whether luxury car brands can move toward electric vehicles without losing the identity that made them iconic in the first place.
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