Ferrari’s First Electric Car Breaks Auction Records

Sun Sep 06 2026 11:32:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ferrari's electric Luce broke auction records, selling for $40m in a charity sale that sparked debate over design and tech. Find out why this car captured headlines.

Ferrari’s first all‑electric model, the Luce, shocked the market by selling for a record $40 million at a California auction. Designed with the help of former Apple industrial designer Jony Ive, the car joined the EV race and raised money for the Ferrari Foundation. While some critics questioned its design, fans celebrated the brand’s bold move into sustainable luxury. Below, we break down the key moments, the price hail‑storm, and why this story matters to the future of cars.

Ferrari’s electric Luce hits $40m record at auction

Ferrari’s first all‑electric SUV, the Luce, sold for a jaw‑dropping $40 million (about £29.5 m) at an auction in California. The price was more than 35 times the normal price for a Luce, a record for a new car sold at auction.

The car’s design is the brainchild of former Apple industrial designer Sir Jony Ive. It has a clean white finish and five seats, something that sparked criticism from some fans and even senior Italian politicians for moving away from Ferrari’s traditional look.

All the money raised went to the Ferrari Foundation’s education programmes, according to Sotheby’s. The auction house said the vehicle is a “first production chassis” with special wheels, custom brakes, and a beautifully customized interior.

The Luce’s launch was one of the biggest car unveilings of the year, and Ferrari’s shares dipped after the launch amid the backlash. Critics like Italy’s deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini and former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo warned the move ran the risk of damaging the brand’s legend.

Despite the controversy, Ferrari’s sales figures, especially from China, suggest the electric model is in demand. The company didn’t disclose targets but reportedly met this year’s goal.

In the world of car auctions, Ferrari still commands high prices—previously a bespoke 2025 Daytona SP3 raised $26 million for the same charity. The record on a new car remains the $40 million Luce, outshining even the rare $142 million 1955 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SLR sold in 2022.

Sotheby’s called the purchase an “unbeatable opportunity” to own Ferrari’s first production electric car. The sale is a tangible example of innovation, responsibility, and long‑term vision for future generations.