Should I Wait for an Electric Ferrari?

The Short Answer: Buy a Gas Ferrari Now, Unless You Can Wait

If you can afford a Ferrari and you're serious about owning one, the current lineup represents one of the last opportunities to own an internal combustion engine Ferrari built for the modern era. The electric Ferrari is coming, but it won't arrive for 12-18 months, it will cost $500,000+, and it will be subject to typical first-generation EV ownership risks.

Meanwhile, the 296 GTB, SF90 Stradale, and Ferrari Roma represent an extraordinary moment in automotive history: cars that bridge the hybrid transition and carry the weight of Ferrari's V12 and twin-turbo heritage. These transition-era Ferraris are likely to appreciate as collectors recognize their significance as "the last" of certain engine configurations.

But if you're asking because you're genuinely interested in owning an EV and you have the patience, deep pockets, and tolerance for early adoption, the electric Ferrari might be worth the wait. The question isn't whether it's a good car — it absolutely will be. The question is whether the timing, cost, and first-generation risk make sense for you specifically.

Ferrari's EV Timeline: What's Coming and When

For years, Ferrari promised an all-electric car "by 2025." Now we're in 2026, and the timeline has shifted slightly, but it's still imminent. Here's the confirmed roadmap according to public statements from Ferrari leadership and investor relations materials:

Late 2025 / Early 2026: The first all-electric Ferrari is expected to debut. This is not a confirmed hard date, but based on Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna's comments in 2024 and 2025, this window remains the target.

Dedicated EV Factory: Ferrari is building a new facility in Maranello, Italy called the "e-building," designed specifically for EV manufacturing. This isn't a conversion of existing production lines — it's a purpose-built facility that signals Ferrari's serious commitment to electric propulsion.

Initial Production Scale: Don't expect the electric Ferrari to account for massive volumes. Ferrari is targeting electric cars to represent approximately 5% of annual sales initially, rising to higher percentages as the EV lineup expands. This limited production will create supply constraints and waitlists even more severe than the current Ferrari experience.

ICE Commitment Through the 2030s: This is crucial: Ferrari is not going fully electric. CEO Vigna has explicitly stated that Ferrari will continue producing internal combustion engines alongside electric cars through the 2030s. The company is committed to the marriage of combustion and electric, not a wholesale abandonment of ICE. For collectors and purists, this matters because it means a V12 Ferrari won't become a museum piece overnight.

What We Know About the Electric Ferrari: Specs, Format, and Sound

Ferrari is characteristically secretive about the electric car's specifications, but leaked information, patent filings, and executive statements paint an interesting picture. Here's what's been confirmed or strongly indicated:

Four-Door Grand Tourer Format

The first electric Ferrari will reportedly be a four-door grand touring car, not a two-seat sports car. This is significant because it positions the EV as a different animal than the current lineup. The four-door format suggests practicality without sacrificing performance — similar positioning to what the Roma was designed for, but with electric range as a core feature.

This format also indicates Ferrari's thinking about the EV market: electric cars need usable interior space to justify the weight and battery packaging. A two-seat electric Ferrari would be too compromised to feel like a real alternative to the combustion-powered cars.

Estimated $500K+ Price Point

Ferrari's pricing strategy for electrics will be aggressive — not in a competitive sense, but in a confidence sense. The company is not treating the EV as a cheaper alternative to ICE Ferraris. Instead, expect pricing in the $500,000 to $700,000+ range, positioning it as premium within Ferrari's own lineup.

This pricing will exclude the vast majority of potential buyers. While a 296 GTB might be acquired for $400,000-$450,000 on the used market, the new electric Ferrari will carry new-car pricing with all the associated depreciation risk.

Performance: Sub-2.5 Second 0-60

Early specifications suggest the electric Ferrari will target a 0-60 time under 2.5 seconds. For context, the SF90 does 2.5 seconds, and the 296 GTB does roughly 3.0-3.1 seconds. An electric Ferrari hitting 2.3-2.4 seconds would be extraordinarily fast — faster than almost anything currently on the road except hypercars.

The advantage of electric propulsion becomes immediately obvious: no turbo lag, instantaneous torque delivery, and the ability to vectorially distribute power across multiple motors. A dual-motor setup would provide all-wheel-drive capability along with this performance envelope.

Range: 300+ Miles Estimated

While Ferrari hasn't officially confirmed range specifications, automotive analysts and leaked information suggest the electric Ferrari will target 300+ miles of EPA-equivalent range. This is respectable for an EV in the performance segment, though it won't compete with mass-market EVs like the Tesla Model S Long Range or Lucid Air in terms of efficiency.

For a $500K+ car weighing 4,500+ pounds with performance-oriented tuning, 300+ miles is appropriate. It's not a road trip car in the traditional sense, but it's enough for a weekend of driving without needing to charge obsessively.

The Artificial Sound: Ferrari's Patented Solution for the Sound Vacuum

Here's the question every Ferrari purist is asking: what will it sound like? Ferrari has filed patents for an artificial sound system that will replicate the character and frequency of traditional Ferrari engines through the cabin speakers and external speakers. This is not a new idea — Porsche, BMW, and others have attempted it — but Ferrari is approaching it with engineering seriousness.

The patents describe a system that analyzes driving inputs (throttle position, gear selection on paddle shifters, RPM equivalents) and generates audio that mimics the emotional signature of a traditional V12 or turbo engine. The goal is psychological authenticity: making the driver feel the emotional connection to the machine that a combustion engine provides.

Will it work? That's the honest question. Most artificial engine sounds in current cars feel fake to people who actually care about driving. But Ferrari's investment in this suggests they understand the problem and are taking it seriously. The synthetic sound might not fool purists, but it might be satisfying enough for the 95% of owners who care more about the emotion than the physics.

For buyers concerned about this, remember: electric supercars are still a new category. Your preferences and tolerance might shift once you experience it. And if it doesn't work for you, the current ICE Ferraris are still available — and appreciating.

Ferrari's Broader Electrification Strategy: Hybrid as a Bridge, Not a Destination

To understand where Ferrari is headed with the electric car, you need to understand what they're already doing with the hybrid models.

The 296 GTB and SF90 Stradale are hybrid cars, yes, but they're primarily designed as combustion cars with electric assist. The V12 and twin-turbo V8 are the stars; the electric motors are supporting players. The strategy here is not to prove that electric powertrains are better — it's to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and prepare customers for the transition psychologically.

The all-electric Ferrari, by contrast, will flip this equation entirely. The electric motors will be the primary propulsion system. There will be no backup V12. No turbo engine to fall back on. It will be pure electric propulsion in a Ferrari package.

This represents a genuine philosophical shift, and Ferrari is managing it by positioning electric as a parallel track, not a replacement. The company has been explicit: they will continue making combustion engines for years. Some of the next-generation V12s and V8s are already in development. Ferrari is not abandoning the ICE; they're expanding the lineup to include EV options.

What this means for buyers: If you believe combustion engines are the soul of Ferrari, buying a gas-powered car now is a hedge against the possibility that future generations won't care. If you believe Ferrari will figure out how to make an electric car feel emotionally authentic, waiting for the EV makes sense. But either way, Ferrari has given you the option.

The Case for Waiting: Why the Electric Ferrari Might Be Worth It

Let's be honest about the genuine reasons to wait for the electric Ferrari:

Historic Moment

The first all-electric Ferrari is a genuinely historic car. It's the moment when a 75-year-old brand that built its reputation on the sound and fury of naturally aspirated V12 engines enters the EV era. This is equivalent to the moment Ferrari introduced turbos, hybrid power, or their first automatic transmission.

In 20 years, the first electric Ferrari will be remembered as a landmark moment in automotive history. Early cars, particularly low-mileage examples in original condition, could appreciate significantly. Collector cars often value "firsts" and "lasts" — and the first electric Ferrari will be both.

Cutting-Edge Technology

By 2025-2026, electric powertrain technology will have advanced considerably. Battery density, charging speed, performance calibration, and thermal management will all be leaps ahead of current-generation EVs. The first Ferrari EV will incorporate the most advanced electric propulsion Ferrari can engineer, refined across the company's development cycle.

A brand-new car with 2025-2026 technology is objectively more advanced than a three-year-old Ferrari 296 GTB with 2022 hybrid technology. For buyers who value cutting-edge innovation, this matters.

Likely to Be Highly Desirable

Ferrari's brand strength is unmatched in the supercar world. Whatever they build, people want. The first electric Ferrari will be no exception. The combination of rarity (limited 5% production), brand strength, and historical significance virtually guarantees strong resale demand.

Compare this to a 296 GTB or SF90, which are excellent cars but relatively common. The electric Ferrari will be rarer, newer, more technologically advanced, and positioned as a landmark moment. From a demand perspective, the EV is likely to be more desirable than the hybrids.

Ferrari's Track Record of Excellence in New Segments

Here's the thing: Ferrari makes great cars. When they entered the hybrid segment, the SF90 was electric-first and groundbreaking. When they built the Roma, it was a revolutionary grand tourer. The company has a genuine track record of doing new things exceptionally well.

The electric Ferrari will almost certainly be an exceptional car. Will it be the best EV on the market? No — Tesla and others will likely be more efficient. Will it be the best electric car Ferrari could possibly make with unlimited resources? Almost certainly yes. And for someone who wants a cutting-edge, high-performance electric car with the prancing horse badge, that matters enormously.

The Case Against Waiting: Why Buying Now Might Be Smarter

But there are equally compelling reasons not to wait:

The $500K+ Price Tag Is a Real Barrier

At $500,000+, the electric Ferrari is significantly more expensive than the current lineup. A 296 GTB can be configured for $350,000-$400,000 depending on options. A Roma starts around $330,000. The SF90 is roughly $400,000.

The price jump for the electric car represents a significant premium that you're paying for novelty and exclusivity, not necessarily for better driving experience or capability. For buyers on a constrained budget, this is a material consideration.

First-Generation EV Risk

Every new EV faces first-generation risks: battery degradation patterns that only emerge after thousands of miles, charging infrastructure evolution, software and thermal management refinements, and undiscovered design flaws that get fixed in generation 2.

The 296 GTB and SF90 are mature designs. Thousands are on the road. We know their reliability profiles, their maintenance costs, their real-world durability. The electric Ferrari? You'll be the test case.

This risk is relatively low for a car built by Ferrari, but it's real. If you're conservative about mechanical reliability, a mature hybrid is objectively less risky than a first-generation EV.

Potential 1-2+ Year Waitlist

Even after the electric Ferrari launches, expect a substantial waitlist. Ferrari's order books are always full. A rare, new product launching at a $500K+ price point will have customers lined up to deposit money months in advance.

If you order today, you might take delivery in 2027 or 2028. That's a long time to wait when you could be driving a 296 GTB or Roma today. For buyers who want to enjoy a Ferrari now, not in 18-24 months, the current lineup is the only option.

Current Ferrari Lineup Is Genuinely Exceptional

Let's not forget what's available right now. The 296 GTB is one of the best all-around Ferraris ever made. The SF90 Stradale is faster, more technologically advanced, and genuinely rewarding. The Roma is an elegant grand tourer that works as daily transportation.

These are not compromise cars. They are genuinely excellent machines that happen to be available today. Waiting for an EV means forgoing years of ownership and enjoyment of cars that are, frankly, already near-perfect.

ICE Ferraris May Never Be Made Again

Here's the ultimate bull case for buying a gas Ferrari now: supply scarcity. Ferrari has explicitly committed to building combustion engines through the 2030s, but that's not a guarantee forever. Eventually — maybe in the 2030s, maybe in the 2040s — Ferrari will stop building cars with traditional engines.

When that happens, the last naturally aspirated and twin-turbo Ferraris will become increasingly rare and valuable. A Roma or 296 GTB bought today could appreciate significantly as collectors recognize it as one of the last of its kind. The electric Ferrari won't have this cachet — it will be the future, not the end of an era.

From an investment perspective, buying an ICE Ferrari now might be smarter than buying an EV later.

The Investment Case: Transition-Era Ferraris Are Collectors' Items in the Making

Let's talk about money, because for a $400K+ purchase, it matters.

The 296 GTB and SF90 are positioned at an inflection point in automotive history. They represent the moment when Ferrari was transitioning from pure combustion to hybrid power. They carry V12 DNA (the 296 has a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, but the SF90 has a V12). They're among the last Ferraris engineered with a hybrid architecture as a bridge between eras.

Collector markets often show appreciation for "last of the line" and "first of the new" cars. The 296 GTB and SF90 are potentially "last of the hybrid line" or "last with this specific engine configuration." As the years pass and Ferrari's lineup becomes increasingly electric, these transition-era cars will become more rare and valuable.

Buy a 296 GTB today for $400,000. In 10 years, when new Ferraris are all electric and the V6 is completely gone from the lineup, that 296 might be worth $500,000-$600,000+. The electric Ferrari, meanwhile, will depreciate like a normal car during its first few years.

From a pure investment standpoint, the current ICE lineup might be the smarter play.

The Sound Question: Will Artificial Sound Ever Replace the Real Thing?

We keep coming back to this because it matters. The Ferrari sound is not incidental — it's core to the emotional experience. A V12 at 9,000 rpm producing 800+ horsepower is a physical experience. The decibel level, the frequency, the harmonic content — it resonates in your chest.

Can artificial sound replicate this? Theoretically, yes, if engineered carefully. But practically? Most artificial engine sounds feel, well, artificial. Porsche's efforts, BMW's efforts, and others have produced results that sound "okay" to people not paying attention, but underwhelming to enthusiasts.

Ferrari's approach appears more sophisticated. The patents suggest a system that responds to real driving inputs and adapts the audio signature based on throttle and gear selection. This isn't just a recorded V12 sound — it's a dynamic simulation.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: No artificial sound will ever fully replicate what a real engine sounds like. It might be emotionally satisfying. It might be clever engineering. But if you close your eyes and listen, you'll know it's not real.

If sound is your primary reason for driving a Ferrari, wait for the EV and judge for yourself. Or buy an ICE car now and don't look back.

Daily Driving and Practicality: Four Doors Changes Everything

One advantage the electric Ferrari might have: the four-door format makes it more practical for daily use than a two-seat sports car. You can actually carry passengers. The interior space is genuine.

If you want to daily drive a Ferrari, the electric car's four-door format might make it more feasible than the 296 GTB or SF90. Range anxiety is a real concern with an EV, but 300+ miles is enough for most daily driving patterns. Charge it at home overnight, and it's ready for the next day.

The current lineup can be daily driven, but the sports car configuration (two seats, aggressive suspension, poor visibility) makes it less practical. The electric Ferrari's GT format might actually be better for actual daily use.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: Will Ferrari continue making V12 engines after the electric car launches?

A: Yes, explicitly. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has stated the company will produce combustion engines alongside electric vehicles through the 2030s. Some new V12 and V8 models are already in development. The electric car is an expansion of the lineup, not a replacement.

Q: What will be the resale value of the electric Ferrari in 5 years?

A: Unknown, but likely to depreciate moderately during its first few years, then stabilize. The "first electric Ferrari" badge might create appreciation later, but don't count on it for your first 5 years of ownership. Compare this to an ICE Ferrari, which is more likely to hold value from day one due to collector demand for "last of the line" models.

Q: Can I daily drive the electric Ferrari?

A: Yes, more so than current two-seat Ferraris. The four-door format and 300+ mile range make it viable for regular driving. You'll need access to a charger at home or work. Long road trips will require planning around charging stations. But as a primary car? It's more practical than a 296 GTB.

Q: Will the artificial sound system satisfy Ferrari purists?

A: Probably not entirely, but it might surprise you. If you're a sound-focused enthusiast, test drive one before committing. If sound is secondary to driving experience, the artificial system is likely good enough. Remember: most electric cars are already functionally silent, so even an artificial sound is better than nothing.

Q: Should I buy a Ferrari now or wait for the electric version?

A: It depends on your priorities. If you value driving experience, collector potential, and the visceral impact of a combustion engine, buy now. If you're willing to wait 18-24 months, have the budget for $500K+, and want cutting-edge technology, wait. If you're unsure, buy now — there will always be electric Ferraris in the future, but the ICE cars might not be available in a few years.

Our Recommendation: How to Think About This Decision

Here's how we see it: Automonitor helps buyers navigate exotic car purchases, and we've helped hundreds of people decide between competing priorities. This is our honest take.

Buy a 296 GTB or Roma now if: You want to drive a Ferrari immediately, value the collector potential of "last of the ICE generation" cars, are concerned about first-generation EV reliability, or want to maximize driving enjoyment within the next 12 months.

Wait for the electric Ferrari if: You're genuinely interested in cutting-edge EV technology, have the patience for a 1-2+ year waitlist, want to own a piece of automotive history (first electric Ferrari), can afford the $500K+ price tag without financial strain, and are willing to be an early adopter of an unproven platform.

Neither if: You're stretching your budget. A Ferrari should be comfortable, not stressful. If $500K+ represents a financial strain, or if you're compromising other financial priorities, neither the ICE nor the EV is worth it right now. Wait until the used electric Ferrari market develops (in 5-7 years) and buy at a discount.

What Happens Next: The 2026-2028 Ferrari Timeline

If you're leaning toward waiting, here's what to expect over the next few years:

Late 2025 / Early 2026: First electric Ferrari officially unveiled. Specifications confirmed. Pricing announced. Pre-orders open.

2026-2027: First customer deliveries of the electric Ferrari. Early reviews and real-world ownership reports emerge. You'll know whether the artificial sound system works. You'll have data on range and charging in practice.

2027-2028: Second generation hybrid models begin to appear alongside electric expansion. New V12 models possibly announced. The collector market starts to differentiate between "last of the V12" and "first of the electric" cars.

2028+: Used electric Ferraris begin to appear on the secondary market at discounted pricing. First-generation ownership data is comprehensive. You can make a more informed decision based on real-world experience rather than speculation.

If you wait and decide to buy on the secondary market in 2028-2029, you'll have complete information and potentially better pricing. The downside: you'll miss years of ownership and driving enjoyment, and early-production cars might be harder to find at discount.

The Final Verdict

Ferrari's electric future is coming, and it will be worth watching. The first all-electric Ferrari will be technologically sophisticated, historically significant, and almost certainly an excellent car. But it will also be expensive, subject to first-generation risk, and available with a substantial waitlist.

Meanwhile, the 296 GTB, SF90, and Roma represent an extraordinary final chapter in the ICE Ferrari era. They are mature, proven, desirable cars that are likely to appreciate as collector values for "last of a generation" models. They're available today, not 18 months from now.

If you have the budget and you're ready to buy, the smart move is probably to buy a gas Ferrari now — not because the electric car will be bad, but because the current lineup is genuinely that good, and the collector case for transition-era Ferraris is genuinely compelling.

But if you're passionate about electric technology, willing to wait, and excited about being an early adopter of a historic car, the electric Ferrari will absolutely be worth it when it arrives.

The good news: Ferrari is committed to both. The company is not abandoning combustion engines for years to come. You're not making a now-or-never decision. Whether you buy today or wait until 2026, you're buying a Ferrari engineered to last decades and appreciate with time. That's the most important thing to remember.