Electric Ferraris exist, but they're not what most people imagine
Ferrari has announced plans to build electric cars, but as of now, no fully electric Ferrari is on the road. The company has said it will release its first battery-powered model sometime in the mid-2020s, though the exact year keeps shifting. What Ferrari is actually selling today are hybrid models — cars with both a gas engine and an electric motor working together — not pure electric vehicles.
If you're thinking about a Ferrari and wondering whether to wait for the electric version or buy a hybrid now, you need to understand what each type actually does, what they cost, and whether either one is realistic for your situation. This guide walks through the real facts about Ferrari's electric and hybrid plans, what's available today, and what "electric" actually means when a luxury car company uses the word.
Key Takeaways
- Ferrari has not yet released a fully electric car; the company plans to introduce one in the mid-2020s, though the timeline has changed multiple times.
- Ferrari currently sells hybrid models like the SF90 Stradale, which combine a gas engine with electric motors and can drive short distances on battery alone.
- A hybrid Ferrari costs roughly $500,000 to over $1 million before taxes and fees, and maintenance is expensive because repairs require specialized technicians.
- When Ferrari does release an electric model, it will likely cost significantly more than current hybrids and will target collectors rather than everyday drivers.
- Buying any Ferrari — hybrid or future electric — is a financial decision that goes beyond the purchase price and includes insurance, storage, and specialized service costs.
What Ferrari has actually announced about electric cars
In 2021, Ferrari's leadership said the company would build its first fully electric car by 2025. That date has since moved to the mid-2020s, which in corporate language usually means sometime between 2025 and 2027. Ferrari has not released a prototype, shown detailed specifications, or confirmed a price.
What we do know is that Ferrari is designing the car in-house and plans to keep the brand's focus on performance and handling, not just range or charging speed. The company has also said it will continue making gas-powered and hybrid cars alongside the electric model, so the electric version will not replace existing models — it will be an additional option for buyers who want it.
The delay and vagueness are typical for luxury carmakers. They announce timelines years in advance to signal direction to investors and customers, but actual release dates often slip because battery technology, design, and manufacturing readiness take longer than expected.
How Ferrari's current hybrid models work
The SF90 Stradale is Ferrari's flagship hybrid right now. It has a 4.0-liter gas engine paired with three electric motors — one at the front and two at the rear. The battery is small compared to fully electric cars; it stores enough power for about 16 miles of pure electric driving at low speeds, or it can information the gas engine during acceleration to boost power output.
In practice, this means you can drive a short distance on battery alone in a parking lot or residential area, but you cannot take a hybrid Ferrari on a long trip without gas. The electric motors are there to improve acceleration and handling, not to replace the gas engine. The car still needs regular gas fill-ups and oil changes.
The SF90 Stradale starts around $500,000 before taxes and destination fees. Other Ferrari hybrids, like the 296 GTB, are slightly less expensive but follow the same hybrid design: a smaller gas engine paired with electric motors for performance rather than range.
The real costs of owning a Ferrari, hybrid or electric
The purchase price is only the beginning. Insurance for a Ferrari typically costs $3,000 to $8,000 per year, depending on your location, driving record, and the specific model. Some insurers require that you store the car in a locked garage and limit annual mileage to 2,500 or 5,000 miles.
Maintenance is where costs accelerate. An oil change at a Ferrari dealership costs $500 to $1,000. Brake service, tire replacement, and suspension work run into the thousands. A major service every few years can cost $5,000 to $15,000. If the hybrid battery needs repair or replacement, costs are even higher — potentially $20,000 or more — because Ferrari has limited technicians trained to work on these systems.
Storage and transportation add up too. Many Ferrari owners keep their cars in climate-controlled storage and use a trailer to transport them to events or tracks, which costs hundreds per month. If you drive the car regularly, you'll also need premium fuel, which is more expensive than regular gasoline.
What an electric Ferrari might cost and who it's for
When Ferrari releases its electric model, expect the price to start higher than current hybrids — likely $600,000 to $1 million or more. Luxury carmakers typically charge a premium for new technology, especially when the technology is unproven in their brand's lineup.
The target buyer is not someone looking for a practical electric car. It's a collector or enthusiast who wants a Ferrari that's also electric, either for the novelty, the performance, or to own a piece of automotive history. The car will probably have limited range compared to mass-market electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure for a $1 million car is different from charging a Tesla — you'll likely charge at home or at exclusive dealer networks.
If you're considering waiting for the electric Ferrari, ask yourself whether you actually drive a car enough to justify the cost. Most Ferrari owners drive their cars fewer than 2,000 miles per year. If that's your situation, the difference between a hybrid and an electric model matters less than the total cost of ownership.
Hybrid versus waiting for electric: which makes sense
If you want a Ferrari now and can afford the total cost of ownership, a hybrid model is available today. You get a car that performs like a Ferrari, handles like a Ferrari, and has the brand's heritage. The electric motors add performance without requiring you to wait.
If you're waiting for the electric version, you're betting that it will be worth the extra cost and that you'll still want it when it arrives. You're also accepting that the timeline could slip further — automotive development rarely stays on schedule. In the meantime, you could buy a used hybrid Ferrari, enjoy it for a few years, and sell it when the electric model launches.
The practical answer for most people is that neither option is realistic unless you have significant disposable income, a find place to store the car, and genuine passion for Ferrari specifically. A hybrid or electric Ferrari is a luxury purchase, not a transportation decision.
How electric Ferraris fit into the broader car market
Ferrari's move toward electric cars is part of a larger shift in the luxury and performance car industry. Porsche, Lamborghini, and other high-end brands are all developing electric models. The transition is slower for these companies than for mainstream carmakers because their customers value engine sound, driving feel, and brand heritage — things that change when you go electric.
An electric Ferrari will be quieter than a gas Ferrari, which some enthusiasts see as a loss. Others argue that electric motors deliver when ready torque and smooth acceleration that gas engines can't match. The debate is real, and Ferrari's engineers are trying to preserve the brand's identity while moving to new technology.
For buyers, this means the electric Ferrari will be a different car from the hybrids and gas models Ferrari makes today. It's not a replacement; it's a new option. Whether it's the right option for you depends on what you value in a car and what you can afford to spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a fully electric Ferrari right now?
No. Ferrari has not released a fully electric model yet. The company plans to introduce one in the mid-2020s, but no prototype has been shown and no confirmed date has been set. You can buy a hybrid Ferrari today, like the SF90 Stradale or 296 GTB, but these are not fully electric.
How far can a Ferrari hybrid drive on battery alone?
The SF90 Stradale can drive about 16 miles on battery power at low speeds. This is enough for short trips around a parking lot or residential area, but not for highway driving. The battery is designed to boost performance during acceleration, not to replace the gas engine for long distances.
Why is Ferrari taking so long to make an electric car?
Developing a new powertrain for a performance car is complex. Ferrari has to design a battery system that fits the car's weight and handling characteristics, test it extensively, and set up manufacturing. The company also wants to preserve the driving experience that Ferrari customers expect, which is harder with electric motors than with gas engines.
Will an electric Ferrari be cheaper than a hybrid Ferrari?
No. Luxury carmakers typically charge more for new technology. When Ferrari releases its electric model, it will likely cost $600,000 to $1 million or more — higher than current hybrids. The price reflects the new technology, limited production, and the brand's positioning in the market.
What happens to gas Ferraris when the electric model comes out?
Ferrari will continue making gas and hybrid models alongside the electric version. The company has said it will not abandon traditional engines when ready. Over time, the lineup will shift more toward electric, but gas Ferraris will likely remain available for years.