Ferrari steps up battery know-how though no plans to make them
By REUTERS | 09 April 2024
BOLOGNA: Ferrari wants to increase its expertise in battery cells given their importance in its shift to electrified vehicles, but it has no plans to manufacture them itself, its CEO Benedetto Vigna said on Monday.
The Italian luxury sports car maker has been selling hybrid-electric cars since 2019 and has promised its first-fully electric vehicle at the end of next year.
Ferrari , which sold just shy of 14,000 cars last year, might not have the scale to produce its own cells profitably.
"We want to open up cells and understand what is in there," Vigna said at the opening of a research centre on battery cells in partnership with Italy's Bologna University and chipmaker NXP Semiconductors.
"Production will always be done through external manufacturers, based on the know-how we hope to acquire through this research centre," Vigna said during a presentation.
"We cannot afford to take cells as black boxes," he added.
The E-Cells Lab is focused on electrochemistry and is aimed at boosting Ferrari's long term expertise in battery cells, which it buys from external suppliers.
"We'll use more and more cells and will ... need to know the chemistry," Vigna said.
E-Cells Lab would initially focus on lithium-based, liquid-state cells, but was ready to turn to address new chemistries and technologies, although Vigna said he did not see solid-state batteries as a real option for the time being.
Tags
Autos Ferrari
Reviews

Mercedes-Benz E 350 e PHEV: Refined elegance, timeless prest...

8.4
Mercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line: Best of both worlds

7.9
Xpeng G6 580 Pro: Fresh and fluidic

Guangzhou adventures: Zontes 368 scooter and 703 Adventure m...

7.6
Maserati GranTurismo (Mk2) Modena: Sharp and smooth operator

6.8
Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro: Multi-talented adventurer

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Born rascal

6.6
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: Inspiring retro design
Videos

StarCarSifu Editors' Choice Awards 2024: Top winners

The Snowball – Lamborghini’s Heartwarming Christmas Story of...

EVOGO battery swapping solution showcased at IAA Mobility 20...
