Ferrari Chairman John Elkann revealed that his decision to develop an electric vehicle was influenced by a conversation with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The initial discussion took place in 2016, leading Elkann to prioritize the electrification of the brand's lineup.
The resulting model, named Luce, was unveiled in May. The vehicle was developed in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive and his firm, LoveFrom. The design process involved a year of research into Ferrari's heritage, followed by five years of joint development between teams in California and Maranello.
The Luce model has faced criticism regarding its aesthetic design from social media users and some investors. Despite the controversy, Elkann stated that the feedback has only strengthened the company's commitment to the project, noting that the vehicle's appearance in person differs significantly from photographs.
Jony Ive emphasized a departure from current automotive trends, specifically the reliance on digital screens and touch-based controls. The Luce features physical control interfaces designed to provide tactile feedback, which Ive believes helps maintain a direct physical connection between the driver and the car.
