Is Maserati Really Done with the Electric MC20, or Is There Still Hope?
If you’ve been following the buzz around Maserati’s electrification plans, you might be wondering—what’s actually happening with the electric MC20 supercar? Earlier this year, Maserati hit the brakes on the project, citing lackluster demand. But is the dream of a battery-powered Maserati supercar truly dead, or just waiting for the right moment?
Why Did Maserati Pause the Electric MC20 Project?
Let’s get real. Launching an electric supercar isn’t just about swapping out an engine for a battery pack. It’s a massive investment, and the stakes are high. Maserati’s MC20 Folgore was set to deliver jaw-dropping performance—think power on par with the V6 model, but with all the instant torque and futuristic flair you’d expect from an EV.
So, what went wrong? The answer is surprisingly simple: timing and market readiness. According to Maserati CEO Santo Ficili, the world just isn’t quite ready for an electric supercar at this price and performance level. Unlike hypercars like the Rimac Nevera or Pininfarina Battista, which play in a stratospheric league of their own, the MC20 Folgore would have been the first electric supercar aimed at a broader (but still exclusive) audience. Without direct rivals or a proven customer base, the risk was just too high to justify the development costs.
What Would the Electric MC20 Have Offered Compared to Rivals?
Let’s put things in perspective. The MC20 Folgore was never meant to chase the 2000-horsepower hypercar crowd. Instead, it was designed to bring electric excitement to the supercar segment, offering a blend of Italian style, cutting-edge tech, and everyday usability. That’s a tough needle to thread.
While hypercars like the Lotus Evija and Rimac Nevera are technological marvels, their price tags and exclusivity put them out of reach for most enthusiasts. Maserati’s approach was more grounded—still exotic, but a step closer to reality for those who dream big. The challenge? Convincing traditional supercar buyers to take the leap into electric power, especially when the visceral appeal of a roaring V6 or V8 is hard to beat.
Are Maserati’s Customers Ready for an Electric Supercar?
This is the million-dollar question. Ficili is candid about it: Maserati needs to see genuine demand before going all-in on an electric supercar. Right now, their customers are still enamored with the brand’s signature V6 engine, especially the twin-turbo Nettuno that powers the MC20 and Granturismo.
There’s also a psychological hurdle. As Maserati’s engineering boss Davide Danesin points out, many supercar buyers are wary of batteries in high-performance cars. Concerns about weight, complexity, and the loss of mechanical purity are real. For these enthusiasts, the connection between driver and machine is everything—and they’re not ready to trade that for silent speed just yet.
Could Maserati Shift Gears with a New Manual Super-GT?
Here’s an interesting twist. While the electric MC20 is on ice, Maserati is exploring something that might surprise you: a new ICE-powered, manual-shifting super-GT, potentially developed with Alfa Romeo. This car would likely use the same Nettuno V6, doubling down on the analog driving experience that many purists crave.
It’s a bold move, especially as the industry pushes toward electrification. But it’s also a savvy one. By listening to its core customers and offering what they actually want—raw, mechanical engagement—Maserati is keeping its loyal fanbase happy while keeping the door open for future electrification.
What Would Need to Change for Maserati to Revive the Electric MC20?
Let’s not count the MC20 Folgore out just yet. Ficili has made it clear: the project isn’t dead, just paused. If the market shifts—if more supercar buyers start demanding electric options, or if advancements in battery tech address concerns about weight and complexity—Maserati could bring the project back as the MCPura Folgore.
Industry trends suggest this isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. According to a 2023 report from the International Energy Agency, global EV sales grew by 35 percent last year, and luxury automakers are investing heavily in electrification. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, the barriers to electric supercars will continue to fall.
What’s the Takeaway for Enthusiasts and Potential Buyers?
If you’re holding out hope for an electric Maserati supercar, don’t lose faith. The brand is watching the market closely and isn’t afraid to pivot when the time is right. For now, though, Maserati is doubling down on what it does best: delivering thrilling, mechanically engaging cars that make your heart race.
The automotive world is changing fast, and Maserati is keeping its options open. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of internal combustion or an early adopter of electric performance, one thing’s for sure—Maserati’s next move will be worth watching. Stay tuned.