Maserati Canceled its All-Electric MC20 Car
Maserati’s electric dreams hit a wall in March 2025 with the cancellation of its MC20 Folgore, a tri-motor electric supercar five years in the making. Promising 700+ horsepower and a 0–60 mph time under 2 seconds, the Folgore was meant to spearhead Maserati’s “Folgore” (Italian for lightning) EV lineup. But it wasn’t alone:
• Quattroporte Folgore (electric sedan) was delayed to 2028.
• Levante EV (electric SUV) now faces an uncertain future.
Only three Folgore models survived: the electric Grecale SUV, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio — all existing gas cars retrofitted with batteries.
What Was Canceled?
Maserati had ambitious plans to introduce an electric version of its flagship MC20 nicknamed the MC20 Folgore (“Folgore” means lightning in Italian). This project was one of several EV offerings aimed at transitioning the brand into the electrified future. But after years of anticipation, it was pulled from the lineup.
Why Did Maserati Cancel It?
1. Lack of Demand
Maserati’s market research revealed a harsh truth: MC20 customers want roaring engines, not silent speed. The brand admitted, “They are not ready to switch to BEVs for the foreseeable future”:
- Customers Prefer ICE: Many fans of the MC20 still crave the signature roar of the Maserati Nettuno V6 engine.
- EV Hesitation: In the super sports car segment, buyers are not yet ready to embrace battery-electric vehicles over internal combustion engines.
2. Falling Sales Numbers
- Sales plummeted 57% in 2024.
- 2023 Sales: 26,600 cars globally.
- 2024 Sales: 11,300 cars — fewer than Ferrari (13,752) and barely ahead of Lamborghini (10,700).
- Financial Struggles: Losses up to €260 million reportedly.
3. Investment Pullback
Maserati’s parent company, Stellantis, scrapped a major investment (€1.2–1.5 billion) in the brand’s EV plans. Maserati pivoted to focus on its stronger gas-powered lineup.
4. The Alfa Romeo Factor: Why Maserati’s EV Dreams Crashed
Maserati’s MC20 Folgore shared its EV platform with Alfa Romeo’s 33 Stradale — a car with a planned production of just 33 units. This made the platform financially unsustainable. When Alfa Romeo backed out, Maserati was left with the bill.
What Did Maserati Say?
In their official statement, Maserati explained:
“Market studies for the super sports car segment and especially for MC20 customers have demonstrated that they are very keen on driving powerful ICE engines and are not ready to switch to BEVs for the foreseeable future.”
What’s Next for Maserati?
- Upgraded Gas-Powered MC20: Maserati will improve the current model, leveraging tech from the GT2 Stradale.
- Selective EV Lineup: EVs like the Grecale, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio will continue in smaller numbers.
Moral of the Story?
EVs only work if you sell more than a handful. Supercar drama can’t beat spreadsheet reality.
