Maranello (Italy): Ferrari has officially entered the electric vehicle segment with the unveiling of its first fully electric car, the Ferrari Luce. Revealed during the company’s World Premiere event on May 25, the Luce marks a significant shift for the iconic supercar brand by combining its performance legacy with cutting-edge technology and design collaborations.

The launch is notable not just for being Ferrari’s first EV, but also for its unique partnerships. The car has been designed with inputs from Jony Ive and Marc Newson, while its advanced cockpit display technology is powered by Samsung.

A new design direction for Ferrari

With the Luce, Ferrari has moved beyond its traditional two- and four-seat configurations by introducing a five-seat layout for the first time. This signals a broader shift in the company’s design philosophy as it adapts to the evolving electric mobility landscape.

The car aims to balance Ferrari’s signature driving experience with futuristic design elements. By collaborating with designers known for their work in consumer technology and industrial design, Ferrari is positioning the Luce as a blend of automotive performance and modern digital aesthetics.

The involvement of Jony Ive, best known for his work at Apple, adds a strong design pedigree to the project. His minimalist and user-focused approach is reflected in the car’s interior layout and interface design.

Futuristic OLED cockpit

One of the standout features of the Ferrari Luce is its advanced cockpit system, developed in partnership with Samsung. The vehicle integrates four OLED displays, including a 12.9-inch driver binnacle, a 12-inch lower OLED layer, a 10.1-inch central control display and a 6.3-inch rear passenger screen.

The highlight is the layered instrument cluster placed in front of the driver. Unlike conventional flat digital dashboards, this system combines two OLED panels stacked together, with physical mechanical hands moving between them. This creates a hybrid interface that merges analogue-style interaction with digital flexibility.

Samsung has incorporated its proprietary HIAA (Hole in Active Area) display technology into the cockpit. Previously used in smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy, this technology allows for openings within the display. In the Luce, these openings are significantly larger — nearly 100 mm — enabling the integration of mechanical elements within the digital display.

The lower OLED layer displays background visuals and gauge information, while the upper layer overlays real-time data such as torque indicators, alerts and navigation prompts. The rotating mechanical hands add depth and create a three-dimensional visual effect, enhancing the driving experience.

Blending heritage with innovation

Ferrari’s Chief Research and Development Officer Ernesto Lasalandra described the cockpit as delivering “an unprecedented experience” that combines the brand’s heritage with forward-looking technology.

The Luce reflects Ferrari’s effort to retain its identity in the transition to electric mobility. While EVs often prioritise minimalism and automation, Ferrari has attempted to preserve tactile engagement through physical controls and mechanical elements.

Strategic collaboration with tech leaders

The development of the Ferrari Luce highlights a growing trend in the automotive industry — collaboration between traditional carmakers and technology companies. By working with Samsung for display technology and designers like Jony Ive, Ferrari is leveraging expertise beyond the automotive sector.

Such collaborations are becoming increasingly important as vehicles evolve into software-driven platforms with advanced user interfaces, connectivity features and immersive digital experiences.

Conclusion

The launch of the Ferrari Luce marks a defining moment for Ferrari as it steps into the electric era. By combining high-performance engineering with innovative design and advanced display technology, the company aims to redefine what a luxury electric car can offer.

With its unique cockpit, expanded seating configuration and cross-industry collaborations, the Luce signals Ferrari’s intent to stay relevant in a rapidly changing automotive landscape while maintaining its legacy of excellence.