Jony Ive Designs Interior for Ferrari’s First Electric Vehicle
Ferrari has unveiled the interior design of its first-ever electric supercar, the Ferrari Luce. The name “Luce” translates to “light” in Italian, reflecting its all-electric nature. This marks Ferrari’s second teaser of the vehicle, which was previously known as the Elettrica.
Collaboration with Jony Ive
The design of the Luce’s interior was entrusted to Jony Ive, the former chief designer at Apple. He collaborated with partner Marc Newson under their design firm, LoveFrom. This partnership has been in the works for five years, culminating in the debut of the Luce’s interior.
Design Features and Materials
- Minimalist Yet Functional: Despite expectations of a touchscreen-dominant design, the Luce features a significant number of physical controls.
- Innovative Displays: The car has three primary displays: an instrument cluster that rotates with the steering wheel, a central display, and a rear control panel.
- Material Choices: The interior incorporates anodized aluminum and Corning glass, materials synonymous with Apple’s product design.
The steering wheel draws inspiration from classic Ferrari designs. It boasts a simplified three-spoke layout made from 100% recycled aluminum. Remarkably, this steering wheel is lighter than standard models, weighing 400 grams less.
Unique Technological Innovations
- Moving Gauge Cluster: A first for Ferrari, the gauge cluster uses overlapping OLED displays, blending digital and analog indicators.
- Central Display: Mounted on a ball-and-socket joint, it can rotate towards either driver or passenger for ease of use.
- Key Fob Technology: The Luce’s key fob features an E Ink display, becoming a first in automotive design by utilizing power only when changing color.
Additionally, the gear shifter is made from durable Gorilla glass, with numerous components throughout the interior utilizing this innovative material.
Regulatory Challenges
During the reveal in San Francisco, Ive acknowledged the complexities of automotive design. He expressed that he had never faced such stringent safety and regulatory requirements before. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of safety in design.
Looking Ahead
As Ferrari prepares for the external debut of the Luce in May 2026, the collaboration with Jony Ive has set a high bar for electric vehicle interiors, blending luxury with cutting-edge technology. This innovative approach reflects the evolving landscape of automotive design as more manufacturers explore electric possibilities.
