Ferrari’s latest plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the 849 Testarossa, continues the trend of high-performance electric assistance rather than fuel economy. But the real story isn’t the tech itself; it’s how owners aren’t using it. According to Ferrari, most buyers simply don’t bother charging their PHEVs regularly.
Hybrid Systems Designed for Power, Not Efficiency
The 849 Testarossa—like its predecessor, the SF90 Stradale—integrates a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors. However, Ferrari admits that the four eManettino driving modes are optimized for power delivery, not maximizing battery life. The system can provide peak performance in any setting, with the key differences being how aggressively it manages battery use.
The available modes include:
- eDrive: Electric-only operation, with up to 25km of range.
- Hybrid: Prioritizes electric power when possible, requiring a charged battery (which many owners skip).
- Performance: Keeps the combustion engine running for consistent power, reducing the need to plug in. This is the most used mode.
- Qualify: Aggressive energy use for short bursts, then aggressive recharging during off-throttle moments.
Why Owners Don’t Plug In
Ferrari’s five years of ownership data confirm this trend. Owners treat the PHEV as a conventional hybrid: the engine keeps the battery topped up while driving, with charging reserved for long storage periods. This isn’t surprising, as the primary appeal of these vehicles is raw performance, not fuel savings.
The Performance mode is favored because it provides consistent power without the hassle of external charging. The system can even use electric motors to manage traction, absorbing surplus power when tires can’t handle full combustion output.
Long-Term Battery Reliability: Ferrari’s Assurance
Ferrari acknowledges that electrification requires a long-term commitment to battery maintenance. The company’s “Ferrari is forever” initiative aims to reassure customers about battery reliability and future upgrades. By bringing battery production in-house, Ferrari intends to ensure long-term support for its hybrid fleet, including a recent replacement battery option for the LaFerrari hypercar.
With over 330,000 Ferraris on the road (90% still operational), the brand recognizes that maintaining an expanding electrified lineup is essential for customer confidence.
The truth is simple: Ferrari owners buy these cars for speed, not for plugging them in. The hybrid system enhances performance, but it doesn’t change the core experience: a high-octane, unapologetically powerful driving machine.
