Ferrari's First Electric Car, The Luce, Emerges with Jony Ive's Signature Touch

Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, is set to be the most anticipated automotive debut of 2026. This comes despite the company’s decision late last year to reduce its broader electric ambitions. The Italian marque recently unveiled the car’s interior, designed by Jony Ive’s firm LoveFrom, offering a clear vision of its new direction.

At a presentation in San Francisco, CEO Benedetto Vigna announced the model’s official name—Luce, meaning 'light' in Italian—moving on from the provisional 'Elettrica.' 'This is a project that will enlighten our future,' Vigna stated, signaling a focus on Ferrari’s core ethos over its powertrain.

The revealed components, displayed individually in a gallery-like setting, highlight Ive’s philosophy. The cockpit is defined by brushed aluminum, glass, and leather, with purpose-built physical controls. 'You don’t touch anything but aluminum, glass, or leather,' became a refrain from Ferrari staff. The steering wheel, a sculpted three-spoke design, houses aluminum buttons. A movable central touchscreen, reminiscent of an iPad on a pivot, allows passenger control. The gear shifter and numerous buttons are crafted from glass, supplied by Corning, a longtime Apple partner.

Ive, reflecting on the complex five-year project, noted his team placed 'creative excellence right at the center.' He emphasized the intentional, tactile nature of the controls. 'When you look at this, you are not wondering how many layers deep you have to go to find something,' he said, critiquing screen-heavy interfaces.

The key fob, resembling a small glass slab, activates the car with a theatrical glow that travels through the console. It’s a detail underscoring the sensory experience Ferrari and LoveFrom aim to create—a deliberate counterpoint to digital isolation. 'There is a growing desire to not be isolated,' Ive observed.

While the exterior remains secret until May, the Luce’s interior makes one thing clear: this electric Ferrari will feel unmistakably physical, and unmistakably a product of its famed designer’s history.

Source: Wired gear