Ferrari's Electric Revolution: First EV Mule Spotted Under Maserati Levante Camouflage
The auto industry has been buzzing with rumors and excitement. Now, the whispers have materialized into reality: Ferrari, the iconic Italian brand synonymous with roaring V12 engines and high-octane performance, has been caught testing its first electric vehicle (EV) mule. The surprising part? It’s hidden under the guise of a Maserati Levante, complete with a deceiving quad-pipe exhaust setup. But don’t be fooled—the yellow electrification stickers don’t lie.
The sight of a Ferrari EV mule marks a radical shift in strategy for the Maranello-based manufacturer. Not too long ago, Ferrari’s top brass, including former CEO Louis Camilleri and Luca di Montezemolo, were reluctant to embrace an electric future. Camilleri famously asserted it wouldn’t happen in his lifetime. Fast forward to today, and the climate is very different under Benedetto Vigna’s leadership, with confirmation of Ferrari’s first EV arriving as early as 2025 from executive chairman John Elkann.
Photographic evidence supplied by Dutch photographer Derek Cornelissen reveals a test car sporting a combination of a Maserati Levante's body with Ferrari Roma headlights. Despite the massive and clearly fake quad-pipe exhausts designed to throw us off, the yellow stickers explicitly indicate an electric drivetrain. It's clear that the wheels have been aerodynamically optimized, further evidence of the vehicle's electric credentials.
With the crossover form factor of the test vehicle, some might speculate that Ferrari is working on a raised-body EV. While this would undoubtedly excite many, it’s essential to consider the prospective price tag. At an estimated half a million euros (around $535K), Ferrari will likely opt for an exotic supercar over something more pedestrian like an SUV. The brand aims to make a bold statement with its first foray into electrification—one befitting the prancing horse emblem’s reputation for stirring excitement.
More intriguingly, Ferrari has laid significant groundwork for the arrival of its electric models. A dedicated production line in Maranello, north of its current campus, showcases Ferrari’s commitment to manufacturing essential electrical components in-house. High-voltage batteries, electric motors, and even axles are being prepped for the electric age within Ferrari’s specialized facilities.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: sound. While many EVs sacrifice the aural excitement of a combustion engine for near-total silence, Ferrari plans to buck that trend. Recent patent filings hint at a unique sound system comprising resonators and valves, designed to amplify the natural noises produced by the electric motors. This “authentic sound” won’t be pumped through the car’s speakers but instead will be organically generated, offering a revolutionary yet inherently Ferrari-like auditory experience.
It remains to be seen what Ferrari will finally call its electric trailblazer. Still, the steps taken so far show a high level of commitment and ingenuity geared toward retaining the brand’s core driving pleasures even in the electric future. For now, auto enthusiasts will have to savor the sneak peeks and speculate until Ferrari pulls the curtain back on this electrifying new chapter in its storied history.