Maserati Axes MC20 Folgore, Signaling EV Doubts
The Maserati MC20 supercar, while critically acclaimed, hasn’t achieved the sales success the Italian automaker had hoped for. Consequently, Maserati has made the decision to cancel production of the all-electric variant, the MC20 Folgore. This move represents a retreat from Maserati’s previous commitment to transition entirely to electric vehicles by 2030, with six EVs slated for launch by 2026.
The planned MC20 Folgore was anticipated to deliver even more power than the standard model, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. The electric version was to feature three electric motors, projected to produce over 700 horsepower to offset the added weight of the battery pack. Despite previous assurances of a 2025 launch, the MC20 Folgore is now defunct, attributed to Maserati perceiving a lack of consumer interest in electric super sports cars.
Currently, Maserati is not in a favorable financial position. Stellantis, the parent company, recently wrote off €1.5 billion in investments in Maserati. The company is reportedly facing lower-than-expected sales in the Chinese market, a key area of concern. Additionally, Maserati has acknowledged that the higher-end luxury market is not transitioning to EVs as rapidly as initially predicted. Last year, Maserati’s sales experienced a significant decline, falling by over 50 percent to just 11,300 units, resulting in a reported loss of €260 million.
This challenging financial standing, combined with the observed slower-than-expected adoption of EVs, casts serious doubt on Maserati’s previously stated commitment to become fully electric by 2030. However, Maserati still maintains a trio of electric vehicles in its lineup: the Grecale Folgore SUV, the GranTurismo Folgore, and the GranCabrio Folgore. The GranCabrio Folgore (pictured below) stands out as one of the few electric convertibles available.
Maserati has indicated that the standard MC20 will continue to receive attention despite the demise of its electric counterpart. The existing MC20 model is expected to undergo substantial updates, potentially incorporating improvements from the more powerful and lighter-weight MC20 GT2 Stradale.
The MC20 competes with high-performance rivals such as the Ferrari F8, Lamborghini Huracan, and McLaren Artura, offering a blend of elegance and performance.
Many automakers are reconsidering their plans for future electric vehicles. From the MC20 Folgore to potentially an electric three-row SUV from Ford, and even the rumored electric car from Apple, several innovations that were considered for the near future may never come to fruition. In this instance, the automotive industry has lost what could have been a groundbreaking supercar, setting a new standard for electrified vehicles.
