Maserati has decided to delay the electric version of its MC20 supercar, previously known as the MC20 Folgore. The Italian automaker cited insufficient demand for such a model in the super sports car market as the primary reason for the project’s suspension, along with the significant investment required for development and production.
Maserati issued a brief statement, which reads: ‘The project was stopped due to the current forecast for insufficient demand in the super sports car market for a battery electric vehicle.’
The MC20 Folgore, originally planned since before the combustion-engine MC20’s unveiling in late 2020, was expected to follow a similar launch pattern to the GranTurismo, where both combustion engine and electric versions debuted within a year of one another. The GranTurismo Folgore, boasting 751bhp, currently stands as Maserati’s most powerful road car.
The MC20 Folgore had been anticipated for some time, but its cancellation seemed increasingly likely as the MC20 approaches its fifth year. The potential for the project’s revival hinges on evolving market conditions and a rise in demand for this type of electric vehicle.
Maserati’s decision reflects a recent trend of automakers reevaluating their high-end electric vehicle strategies. The market for such models has seemingly softened in the past year.
Lotus, for example, announced plans to retrofit its range of electric cars with a ‘hyper hybrid’ system. This move, incorporating a range extender, could be more easily implemented, given its parent company, the Geely group, has experience in this field. However, it’s unlikely the Evija hypercar will follow suit.
The current market appears to favor plug-in hybrids. Even Ferrari is facing market challenges concerning electrification, with the weak residual values of its hybrid supercar, the 296 GTB, causing surprise. Nevertheless, Ferrari plans the launch of its own all-electric model later this year, which is expected to be a more practical offering than an all-out supercar.
Lamborghini is also staying cautious, postponing the introduction of its Lanzador all-electric super SUV for the time being. On the UK debut of the Temerario supercar last year, CEO Stephen Winkelman indicated the car wouldn’t be available before 2030.
Maserati faces a difficult situation regarding electrification. While there is currently weak consumer interest in high-performance and luxury EVs, hybrids are also a challenging sell in some instances. As it stands, Maserati lacks the immediate technical ability to pivot to hybridisation solutions. Thus, the MC20 will continue with its twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine, a situation the firm has noted is not necessarily a problem in and of itself for the brand or its buyers.
