Ferrari stock plunges as Luce EV launch sparks investor and fan backlash
Ferrari’s stock plunges after the launch of its first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, sparks investor backlash over design and pricing. Shares fell sharply on Tuesday morning, wiping out early gains and extending losses to nearly 5% in Milan trading, as reported by CNBC . The decline reflects broader market skepticism about the €500,000-plus EV, which critics say strays too far from Ferrari’s traditional aesthetic and brand identity.
The Luce, designed by former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive, features four electric motors delivering over 1,000 horsepower but has drawn sharp criticism for its unconventional styling. Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini joined a chorus of detractors, calling the design a departure from Ferrari’s heritage, while a former Ferrari executive told *Svenska Dagbladet* the car "looks like a Honda" and urged the company to "remove the prancing horse" from the model . Fans echoed the sentiment, with some warning the Luce could "destroy the Ferrari myth," according to Austrian broadcaster ORF .
Analysts attribute the stock sell-off to concerns that the Luce’s polarizing design and premium price point may alienate Ferrari’s core customer base, which has historically prioritized performance and exclusivity over electrification. The company’s late entry into the EV market—compared to rivals like Porsche and Lamborghini—has also fueled doubts about its ability to compete in a segment where brand loyalty is paramount. Reuters reports that the negative reception has overshadowed the car’s technical achievements, including its 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 2.5 seconds .
Ferrari’s struggles contrast with broader market trends, as European equities closed lower on Tuesday amid geopolitical tensions and expectations of an imminent ECB rate hike. However, the Luce’s debut has dominated sector-specific discussions, with *La Repubblica* noting that the model "failed to convince markets" and contributed to Europe’s red close . *Courrier International* adds that Italian press has questioned whether the Luce’s price—positioned above most of Ferrari’s combustion-engine models—will deter even its most loyal buyers .
The backlash underscores the challenges Ferrari faces as it navigates the transition to electrification while preserving its luxury appeal. With the company targeting 60% of sales from EVs by 2030, the Luce’s reception will be a critical test of whether Ferrari can maintain its premium positioning in an increasingly crowded electric supercar market. Investors will be watching closely for signs of pre-order demand and management’s response to the criticism in the coming weeks.
Ferrari stock plunges as Luce EV launch sparks investor and fan backlash


