The Ferrari of electric vehicles

The Ferrari Luce, the first electric vehicle from the iconic Italian automaker, has sparked a firestorm of criticism for its stark, slab-like design—so un-Ferrari-like that many fans feel betrayed. Designed by Apple’s former chief designer Johnny Ive, the Luce looks more like a Nissan Leaf than a sports car, with a minimalist, almost sterile aesthetic that has drawn boos from purists. Yet, despite the backlash, the car’s interior—featuring physical switches, analog dials, and a blend of digital and tactile controls—has drawn praise for its thoughtful, driver-focused approach. Meanwhile, the Slate Truck, a no-frills electric vehicle from a startup backed by Jeff Bezos, takes the opposite approach: stripping away everything from paint and power windows to the radio, offering a $30,000 base model that users can customize later. This radical minimalism is a direct response to the soaring cost of EVs, especially after the end of federal tax credits and rising inflation. While the Luce represents Ferrari’s attempt to attract tech-savvy, younger billionaires, the Slate Truck targets budget-conscious Americans who want mobility without the luxury markup. Together, these two vehicles highlight a deep split in the EV market: one side chasing artistry and exclusivity, the other fighting for affordability and practicality. As China dominates global EV production with cheap, high-quality models like BYD, the U.S.