TechCrunch Mobility: It doesn’t matter that people hate the Ferrari Luce

The world of electric vehicles is buzzing with opinions about Ferrari's inaugural all-electric model, the Luce. Priced at nearly $650,000 and designed by former Apple designer Jony Ive, this five-seater has sparked a wave of criticism and conversation. From comparisons to the far more affordable Nissan Leaf to a flurry of memes, the response from fans and critics alike has been intense. Senior reporter Sean O’Kane posed a compelling question amidst the uproar: Who is the Luce intended for? It's a topic worth exploring, especially considering that a significant portion of Ferrari's clientele already owns multiple vehicles from the brand. O’Kane points out that over 80% of the 14,000 Ferraris sold last year were purchased by repeat buyers. Ferrari's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, insists that there is a market for the Luce, with orders coming in from both loyal customers and new enthusiasts. The inquiry doesn't end there—if demand surpasses the planned production of the Luce, who will ultimately secure a model? In the past, Ferrari has proven critics wrong; the Purosangue, initially met with skepticism, has now found its footing in the market. In a shift to autonomous vehicles (AVs), recent legislation in Texas enables the Department of Motor Vehicles to take greater control over the testing and deployment of AVs. Companies are now required to register their vehicles, making data publicly accessible. According to the latest figures, Waymo leads the pack with 577 registered AVs, followed by Avride at 317, Nuro with 47, and Tesla at 42. However, fleet size alone does not guarantee success, as many of these companies have yet to offer commercial services in the state. In addition, the new tracking tool has revealed that no complaints have been lodged against the listed companies so far. Meanwhile, investment activity is heating up in the transportation sector: Equip Capital has acquired a majority stake in European e-scooter company Ryde Technology, while Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle division, LiveWire, has purchased off-road electric startup Dust Moto. In funding news, Matternet, a company specializing in autonomous drone deliveries, has raised $33 million as part of a private placement and completed a reverse merger with Los Altos Ventures Corp. Revel, previously focused on ride-hailing, is merging with Voltera, with plans to operate under the Voltera branding. In the realm of electric vehicles, Rivian is set to begin deliveries of its R2 SUV on June 9, amid an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding its rear suspension services. Volvo Cars has secured authorization from the Commerce Department to continue importing and selling its vehicles in the U.S., despite looming regulations against Chinese vehicles. Lastly, Waymo has begun offering select riders in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco access to its latest robotaxi—a modified electric minivan named Ojai. Early reports suggest that this new vehicle could address some of the longstanding challenges faced by robotaxis. Stay tuned for more detailed reviews and insights in upcoming newsletters!