Ferrari and battery supplier SK On will partner on advanced battery cell technology, the two companies announced on Tuesday.
SK On has been supplying batteries to Ferrari since 2019, initially for the SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid and its SF90 Spider convertible variant, and then for the 296 GTB and 296 GTS plug-in hybrids. The two companies have now signed a memorandum of understanding to “explore new possibilities and potential solutions” in battery cell technology.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
A memorandum of understanding is not the same as a product plan, but Ferrari will likely have more need for batteries in the future, both for more plug-in hybrids and at least some all-electric models. The automaker is in the midst of launching 15 new modelsincluding an EV, probably an SUV, due in 2025. Ferrari is expanding its factory to accommodate EV production.
A Ferrari patent application that surfaced in late 2023 suggested the automaker is working on electric motors in wheelsalthough given the challenges companies like Lordstown Motors have faced in getting in-wheel motors into production, any future Ferrari EV could have a more conventional design.
Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano
Another Ferrari patent application for an “electric or hybrid sports car” suggested the automaker is also experimenting with a middle mounted battery this would be where an engine would normally be. In this process, Ferrari discussed mounting battery modules on a subframe-like structure that could be bolted to the chassis.
CEO Benedetto Vigna said in a interview with CNBC Tuesday that Ferrari’s next EV will provide the same “unique” experience as the automaker’s combustion models, adding that “electric cars are not silent.” So perhaps Ferrari will use some form of artificial sound generation, like in the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona, to achieve the necessary level of excitement.