Maserati has officially cancelled the MC20 Folgore, its planned all-electric supercar. The decision marks a shift in the brand’s electrification strategy, highlighting the challenges of introducing high-performance electric vehicles to a traditionally petrol-driven market.
The primary factor behind this move is clear—customer demand. Maserati’s research found that buyers of the MC20 overwhelmingly prefer the petrol-powered model. Replicating the Nettuno V6, or any other ICE from a supercar, with a distinctive sound and visceral performance is turning out to be a major thorn in the side for mainstream manufacturers. The powertrain remains a major selling point in the high-performance segment. In contrast, the prospect of a silent, battery-powered alternative failed to generate the same enthusiasm.
Maserati spokesperson said “Market studies for the super sports car segment and especially for MC20 customers has demonstrated that they are very keen on driving powerful ICE engines.” They added these buyers are “not ready to switch to BEVs for the foreseeable future.”
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This decision also reflects a pragmatic financial approach. Developing an electric supercar requires significant investment in a bespoke platform, and Maserati likely determined that the return on such an endeavour would not justify the cost. While the brand remains committed to electrification, it appears that the supercar segment is not the ideal starting point.
Rather than proceeding with the MC20 Folgore, Maserati will focus on refining and enhancing the existing ICE-powered MC20. There is speculation that elements from the track-focused MC20 GT2 Stradale could be integrated into future iterations, further elevating the car’s performance capabilities.
This move comes on the back of many mainstream automakers backtracking on bold electrification approaches. The bottom line is that despite the limitations and regulations, manufacturers are listening to consumer preferences.
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