Ferrari has unveiled the all-electric Luce at the Vela di Calatrava – Città dello Sport in Rome in Italy.

Expanding Ferrari’s in-house electric technology expertise has created new opportunities for performance and efficiency across its wider vehicle programs, the auto maker said. This includes technology transfer between Ferrari road cars, the 499P Hypercar that won the most recent World Endurance Championship, and the Ferrari Hypersail project, which serves as a platform for research and innovation. The Ferrari Luce marks the culmination of Maranello’s multi-energy strategy, announced at the 2022 Capital Markets Day.

John Elkann, president of Ferrari, said, “We are not simply unveiling a new car, we are inaugurating a chapter that turns our vision into reality, strengthening Ferrari’s tradition of anticipating and shaping the future.”

In keeping with tradition, Ferrari has chosen to engineer, develop and manufacture the main components in-house. The project includes more than 60 new patents.

The Ferrari Luce was designed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the design collective led by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, bringing an external perspective to Ferrari’s established design approach under Flavio Manzoni. The electric power source, Ferrari-engineered engines and advanced drivetrain enabled the development of a new architecture that combines Ferrari performance with the luxury of spaciousness.

Technologies derived from Ferrari’s unrivalled experience in the world of motor racing made it possible to contain kerb weight at 2,260kg, helping deliver best‑in‑class performance (0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, top speed over 310 km/h and maximum total power output of 1,050hp) and a range in excess of 530km.

The car introduces electric all-wheel drive technology, combining torque vectoring, regenerative braking and adjustable power delivery systems. Steering wheel-mounted paddles enable drivers to modify torque output and energy recovery, while Ferrari says the system has been developed to provide a more progressive acceleration response than typical high-torque electric powertrains.

The car is powered by four electric engines, one per wheel, and is equipped with a high‑capacity 122kWh battery, an active suspension system derived from the F80 and an independently steering rear axle. Within this framework of technological innovation, two concepts best encapsulate Ferrari Luce’s ambitious entry into the world of high‑performance electric sports cars: the control of each wheel’s motion in every direction and in any dynamic condition, and the authentic approach to sound.

Each wheel is equipped with one actuator for traction and regeneration, one for the steering angle and one to control vertical movement. The ability to adapt torque distribution in real time to road conditions and desired performance provides exceptional freedom and precision of control. Each of the Ferrari Luce’s wheels is attuned to the driver’s input, enabling the driver to experience a single, fluid movement. Torque vectoring and the elastic balance of the suspension system also assist in changing direction, enhancing the car’s agility and ease of driving.

The Ferrari Luce’s vehicle dynamics have been developed around the characteristics of its electric platform, including a lower center of gravity and revised weight distribution. The vehicle uses an e-Manettino system to adjust power delivery and traction settings, alongside Ferrari’s five-position Manettino drive mode selector, which adapts vehicle responses to different grip conditions.

The model also introduces Ferrari’s new vehicle control unit, which integrates management of the powertrain and vehicle dynamics systems. According to Ferrari, the system processes updates at up to 200 times per second and works in conjunction with the latest version of the company’s Side Slip X control system.

The powertrain comprises four F80-derived permanent magnet synchronous engines with radial flux, delivering a maximum speed of 30,000rpm at the front and 25,500rpm at the rear. The system operates on 800V architecture and combines performance with efficiency, with solutions directly derived from motorsport. The high-voltage battery pack was designed, validated and built in Maranello and comprises 210 cells in series that deliver 122kWh and support fast charging up to 350kW; it has been designed as a structural element of the car. Power electronics feature compact inverters and a DC/DC resonant converter for the active suspension to achieve record-breaking efficiency of more than 98%.

The Ferrari Luce uses an integrated battery, chassis, and body structure designed to improve rigidity, efficiency, and interior packaging. The aluminum-based architecture places the battery beneath the floor and rear seats, removing the need for a central transmission tunnel and increasing cabin space. Ferrari said the structure delivers increased bending and torsional rigidity compared with its previous four-door models.

The vehicle also features double wishbone suspension, rear-wheel steering, carbon ceramic brakes, and a rear subframe mounted to improve ride comfort and handling balance.

The extensive use of recycled secondary-alloy aluminum enables a reduction in CO₂e emissions during production of around 70% of the overall vehicle weight.

Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, said, “We are convinced that a company demonstrates its leadership when it has the courage to dare and to take on the challenge of new technologies. Ferrari Luce was born precisely from this challenge, offering our unprecedented vision of electrification.”

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The all-electric Mercedes-AMG 4‑Door Coupe is based on the high-performance AMG.EA architecture and features a new drive concept comprising axial flux motors developed by the British electric-motor specialist Yasa and a high-performance battery that shifts “the benchmark in the high-performance segment”, the auto maker said.

Mercedes‑AMG demonstrated the capability of this drivetrain technology last year with the record drive of the Concept AMG GT XX in Nardò, Italy, where the technology demonstrator sprinted over 40,000km in seven days and 13 hours, breaking a total of 25 long-distance records in the process. (Read more on the concept in the April 2026 issue of APTI).

Mercedes-AMG is offering two powertrains: the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and the Mercedes‑AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe.

“From my time at AMG, I know how high the bar is set in Affalterbach. With this first model on the new AMG.EA architecture, we don’t just meet it, we move it,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management, Mercedes‑Benz Group.

Three key aspects contribute significantly the performance capability: new battery cells, an innovative direct cooling system for each individual cell and a comparatively high voltage.

Electric power

The sports car uses three electric motors, two on the rear axle and one at the front, that deliver a system output of up to 860kW (1,169hp). These are complemented by a high-performance battery concept. Together, these achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.1 seconds, with the vehicle requiring only 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h. It’s top speed is 300 km/h (with optional Driver’s Package).

Thanks to a charging capacity of 600kW, over 460km of range can be recharged in just 10 minutes. A typical charging cycle from 10% to 80 % state of charge (SoC) takes 11 minutes.

In an axial flux motor, the electromagnetic flux runs parallel to the motor’s axis of rotation, unlike conventional electric motors where it runs perpendicular. The design uses a stator positioned between two rotor discs in an H-configuration to improve magnetic efficiency.

The electric motors are integrated into High-Performance Electric Drive Units (HP.EDUs) on each axle. At the rear, two axial flux motors are combined with a compact single-stage planetary gearbox within a shared housing. The system includes oil cooling, an integrated pump control unit and water-cooled silicon-carbide (SiC) inverters, designed to support high-voltage and high-performance operation. The axial flux motors can exceed 13,000rpm.

The front HP.EDU includes an axial flux motor, transmission, silicon-carbide (SiC) inverter and pump control unit. The motor can exceed 15,000rpm and operates as a front-axle booster motor, engaging when additional power or traction is needed.

“This vehicle underscores the broad performance spectrum of our comprehensive development strategy and the consistent transfer of the Concept AMG GT XX technology program into series production,” said Jörg Burzer, member of the board of management and chief technology officer, development and procurement, at Mercedes-Benz Group.

Newl battery cell for high performance 

At the heart of this innovation is a cylindrical, tall and slim battery cell. This format provides advantages for cooling. The small diameter minimizes the distance from the cell core to the surface, enabling rapid and efficient dissipation of heat generated under load, ensuring each round cell is maintained within its optimal temperature range. Laser-welded aluminium cell housing is also a new development, offering outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity.

A full-tab cell design reduces internal resistance by connecting the cell windings across the full surface of the poles, supporting higher charging and discharging performance while maintaining reliability under demanding conditions.

The cell chemistry is based on NCMA (nickel/cobalt/manganese/aluminum) in the cathode and a silicon-containing anode.

Overall, the combination of the tall and slim format, aluminum housing, full-tab technology and NCMA chemistry provides the foundation for maximum performance.

Intelligent direct cooling for the battery cells

The new battery concept uses directly cooled cylindrical cells with a special cell chemistry that ensures uniform temperature distribution and high-performance stability under continuous load. In total, 2,660 cells are used in the Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé. The individual cylindrical cells are grouped into 18 laser-welded plastic modules.

The high-voltage battery is integrated centrally into the structure of the e-skateboard. Its protective housing (safety box) encloses the cell modules, all switching components and the battery management system (BMS), also an exclusive AMG in-house development.

Under the transmission tunnel lies a highly advanced cooling system whose core is an innovative cooling module. This module serves as the central interface to the vehicle’s cooling system and integrates key components such as the coolant pump module (KMP), the oil-water heat exchanger (ÖWWT) and the necessary connectors for direct oil cooling.

The temperature of the BMS is actively regulated via a special cooling plate, enabling higher currents. For the first time, virtual sensors have also been used: the BMS determines temperatures – such as within a cell – not via physical components but through mathematical models based on the current charging power.

“The first all-electric AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé takes the AMG DNA to a whole new level,” said Bastian Baudy, chief design officer, Mercedes-Benz Group. “A vehicle that embodies high-tech and innovation, brings performance to life and will set new standards with its radical design approach.”

Related news, Jaguar reveals Type 01 electric four-door GT

Ahead of the Monaco E‑Prix on May 16 and 17, 2026, Jaguar’s Type 01 prototype, an electric four-door GT, lapped the circuit, signaling the car maker’s move to an electric era.

Type 01 development has been directly inspired by technology used by the company’s Formula E team – Jaguar TCS Racing – integrating technology proven on track by the World Championship-winning all‑electric team.

The prototype’s responses have been fine‑tuned using lessons learned from Jaguar TCS Racing’s all‑wheel-drive control software and fast‑switching silicon-carbide‑powered inverters.

Regenerative braking, range and fast‑charging capability have also reportedly been enhanced using technology developed on track.

“To achieve our vision for Type 01, we not only harnessed our Formula E know‑how but also embedded the competition mindset of Jaguar TCS Racing in our engineering teams. This helped us develop innovative solutions for our luxury four‑door GT that drives like no other electric car,” said Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover.

The Type name has been associated with Jaguar since the Le Mans-winning C-Type in 1951. It represents a combination of performance and driver engagement alongside refinement, as seen in models such as the E-Type and F-Type. In Jaguar Type 01, the 0 represents electric propulsion and zero tailpipe emissions, while the 1 signifies its position as the first Jaguar of a new era. The vehicle was designed, developed and built in the UK.

Jaguar’s four‑door GT will be revealed later this year.

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Hyundai Mobis has developed a 160kW power electric (PE) system for general-purpose models, following its earlier 250kW high-performance system. The company also plans to complete development of a 120kW PE system for small mobility vehicles in the first half of the year. Together, these systems are intended to form a full PE line-up, covering a range of electric vehicle applications and strengthening the company’s competitiveness in electrification components. The PE system is a core auto component equivalent to the powertrain of an internal combustion engine and consists of a motor, inverter and reduction gear.

Hyundai Mobis previously handled mass production of PE systems based on customer orders. However, it has now secured the design technology for each component of the PE system through in-house R&D and is unveiling its own drive models.

During the development of its proprietary PE system model, the company focused on standardizing and modularizing key auto components. These include the stator for the drive motor, the inverter and the power module, which is a bundle of power semiconductors.

A system-level standard model improves scalability by enabling reuse across multiple vehicle platforms. According to Hyundai Mobis, this is generally more efficient than developing a bespoke powertrain for each new vehicle.

The PE system has a maximum output of 160kW, which is equivalent to 215hp in ICE terms, suitable for application in most electric vehicles currently in mass production. If two PE systems are installed on the front and rear axles, the maximum output is doubled.

Hyundai Mobis said it has improved the performance of the PE system. Specific power (output per unit weight) has increased by about 16%, while overall system volume has been reduced by nearly 20%. These gains were achieved through modular design and the use of standardized automotive components. The company said it has also enhanced motor performance with new cooling technology, and developed a power module using advanced power semiconductors to improve energy efficiency.

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Evonik has announced the opening of its PEEK Rectangular Magnet Wire Lab. Built to serve the needs of major Chinese and Asian markets, the lab will focus on research and innovation for polyether ether ketone (PEEK) powder-based applications for electric motors – especially for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) such as hybrid electric or fully electric-drive vehicles.

“The NEV industry chain in China and across Asia-Pacific is rapidly moving upmarket and globalizing, raising the bar for performance limits and delivery speed of critical materials,” said Jinhong Zhang, vice president and general manager of the high-performance polymers business line in Evonik’s Asia-Pacific region. “This lab will support our work with partners to advance the large-scale adoption of Vestakeep PEEK solutions in electric-drive systems, magnet wires and equipment. The aim is to further develop our range of Vestakeep PEEK solutions to withstand even higher temperatures, higher voltages and more demanding operating conditions, and, as such, provide strong support for improved efficiency and enhanced reliability of NEV electric-drive systems.”

The Evonik PEEK Rectangular Magnet Wire Lab will focus on key technical challenges in magnet wire applications, including processing-parameter optimization, coating-structure design, improved adhesion performance and control of dimensions and concentricity.

In collaboration with third-party organizations, the lab will carry out reliability tests on key electrical properties such as breakdown voltage (BDV), partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV), corona resistance and oil-aging resistance, providing material assurance for safe, long-term operation of NEV electric-drive systems. The lab will also be used for sample preparation, validation of new PEEK formulations, and benchmarking against standard products, helping customers accelerate new product development and qualification.

As NEV drive systems evolve toward higher power density, higher efficiency and greater reliability, magnet wires used in motors face increasingly stringent demands regarding heat resistance, electrical performance and the long-term stability of insulation materials.

“By establishing this magnet wire application laboratory, Evonik hopes to work more closely with customers and value-chain partners,” added Felix Teng, director of innovation management for the high-performance polymers business line in Evonik’s Asia-Pacific region. “Our aim is to translate the material performance advantages that Vestakeep PEEK has in motor magnet wire applications into full-system solutions that can be verified through testing and scaled up for mass production.”

In related news, Renault announces first European production car with in-wheel motors

Renault Group and Protean Electric have confirmed that the Renault brand will use Protean as the supplier of in-wheel motors (IWMs) on its electric mini-supercar, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, making it the first European passenger car to enter production fitted with in-wheel motors.

The rebirth of the Renault 5 Turbo has been enabled by a state-of-the-art IWM drive system, with the Protean Drive technology being used to meet the vehicle’s demanding power and torque requirements. The IWM system delivers 555hp directly to the rear wheels, enabling 0-100km/h acceleration in under 3.5 seconds.

Philippe Krief, chief executive officer of Renault’s Alpine brand, explained, “The team has been working hard to offer enthusiasts a retro road supercar with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. One of the key unique selling points is the in-wheel motors that we have developed together with Protean, who offered us the world-leading IWM technology for this exciting project. We are delighted to be working with them to deliver the legacy of the iconic Renault 5 Turbo in all-electric form.”

Andrew Whitehead, chief executive officer at Protean Electric, added, “We are thrilled to see Protean’s in-wheel motor technology being integrated into such an iconic vehicle as the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for the future of vehicle electrification as it shows clearly in-wheel motors have no limits. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Renault Group as they seek to use in-wheel motors to deliver better electric vehicles for their customers.”

More details of the project will be presented at the 2026 International Vienna Motor Symposium, where both companies will deliver papers on vehicle and powertrain development.

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Nissan Motor has announced its long‑term vision: Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life, a plan to integrate mobility intelligence into everyday life through Nissan’s focus on AI-defined vehicles (AIDV), offering a choice of electrification technologies to meet diverse customer and market needs.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO, said, “This is the right moment to articulate Nissan‘s long‑term vision as we move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority. By advancing mobility intelligence, we will deliver intuitive, advanced and reliable products and technologies that offer outstanding value and enrich how mobility is experienced.”

At the core of the strategy is Nissan AIDV, combining Nissan AI Drive and Nissan AI Partner technologies. The company says this will integrate AI with vehicle control and safety systems, building on existing advanced driver assistance technology. Nissan aims to deploy AI Drive across 90% of its line-up over the long term.

The first model expected to reflect this approach is the latest Nissan Elgrand, due in summer 2026, which will introduce next-generation ProPilot with end-to-end autonomous technologies by the end of the 2027 financial year.

Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, added, “Across the Americas, our focus on execution is making the region a key contributor to Nissan’s turnaround, driven by both revenue growth and disciplined cost reduction. We delivered significant year-over-year increases in US retail share, making Nissan the fastest-growing mainstream brand since August 2025. We’re also seeing solid progress in Canada and continued growth in Mexico, where we have maintained the #1 position for 18 consecutive years – proof that getting the fundamentals right matters. Our balance of strong execution today and smart, impactful investments in the future will strengthen our business and drive sustainable growth.”

Electrification

Alongside autonomy development, Nissan is expanding electrification through its e-Power hybrid system and a wider mix of powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range extender systems developed through partnerships. A new hybrid system for frame-based vehicles is also planned.

This broader offer includes development of a new hybrid electric vehicle system (HEV) for future frame‑based vehicles, serving customers requiring greater capability and long‑range confidence. Nissan says it will complete the spectrum of customer choice by offering plug‑in hybrid and range‑extender hybrid solutions through partnerships.

Streamlined product portfolio

The company will streamline its model line-up from 56 to 45 models, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas. At the same time, Nissan says it will expand powertrain options for each model, to give customers more choice, increase volume per model and strengthen the company’s business foundation.

Key upcoming models include the Rogue and X-Trail Hybrid e-Power, the Xterra for North America, the Juke EV for Europe, and the Skyline for Japan. Infiniti will also be expanded with new and refreshed models, including an all-new QX65 SUV due in 2027.

Nissan said its industrial strategy will shift toward architecture-led development based on shared platforms and software, aiming to improve development speed, cost efficiency and scalability.

Espinosa concluded, “As we continue on our path to recovery, it is essential that Nissan seizes the opportunities provided by AI technologies, by electrification and the innovation embedded in our latest products to drive market growth and focus relentlessly on serving the customer.”

In related news, Nissan launches electric Juke

ETA Green Power has entered the launch phase of the ETA-Model 20, an integrated electric powertrain system for electric vehicles. The three-in-one unit combines the motor, controller and charger into a single compact package. Designed in the UK and manufactured or licensed in-house, the system is intended to support performance, cost efficiency and simplified integration for OEMs across global markets.

“At ETA Green Power, we believe the future of electric mobility lies in intelligent system integration,” said Alex Bamberg, executive chairman at ETA Green Power. “The ETA-Model 20 represents a major leap forward, offering OEMs a lighter, more efficient and cost-effective powertrain solution without compromising on performance.”

Engineered for performance and efficiency 

The ETA-Model 20 is designed to optimize electric powertrain performance, delivering up to 92% peak efficiency and motor speeds of up to 10,000rpm. It supports up to 37% gradeability at gross vehicle weight and features reduced noise, vibration and harmonics for smoother operation. Advanced thermal management helps maintain performance in demanding conditions.

The system is designed for vehicles with gross vehicle weights ranging from 300kg to 2,500kg, making it suitable for a wide range of applications across urban and commercial mobility.

Compact, lightweight and cost-effective 

Weighing 13.5kg including the onboard charger, the ETA-Model 20 is lighter and around 20% more compact than conventional systems. Its integrated design reduces wiring, thermal losses and supply chain complexity. This supports lower system weight, reduced vehicle-level costs, fewer components and improved reliability.

Sustainable and future-ready design 

The ETA-Model 20 is engineered without the use of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) such as terbium and dysprosium, ensuring greater supply chain stability and reducing exposure to geopolitical risks. This approach supports a more sustainable and resilient electric mobility ecosystem.

Manufactured in India, the system is built to perform reliably across diverse and challenging environments, with IP67-rated protection for enhanced durability.

A new standard for OEM integration 

ETA Green Power’s vertically integrated approach, from design and development to manufacturing, provides OEMs with a one-stop solution that ensures quality, predictability and seamless system integration.

“The ETA-MODEL 20 is not just a product, it’s a platform for the future of electric mobility,” said Bamberg. “By reducing complexity while increasing performance, we are enabling our partners to accelerate time-to-market and deliver better vehicles to their customers.”

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Donut Lab has released results from a fast-charging test conducted with Verge Motorcycles, showcasing the performance of its Donut Battery technology at full battery-pack level rather than individual cell testing. The system is used in Verge’s TS Pro electric motorcycle.

The test forms part of ongoing research into how multiple battery cells operate together within a complete pack, with a focus on energy density, thermal behavior and fast-charging capability in real-world conditions.

According to Donut Lab, the Verge TS Pro equipped with its battery technology charged in less than 10 minutes, making it “the world’s fastest charging electric motorcycle”, the company said.

“This is the first test we have published to a wider audience that demonstrates the performance and behavior of multiple battery cells in a real vehicle environment,” said Ville Piippo, CTO at Donut Lab. “The high energy density of our battery technology enables flexible battery pack design and superior performance even in more challenging applications, such as motorcycles, where space is limited and system simplicity is key. We are able to offer vehicle manufacturers packs with different energy capacities in the same physical size, with even the smallest packs having very high capacities.”

In the test, an 18kWh battery pack was charged using a public fast charger starting at approximately 20°C. The system reached a peak charging power of over 100 kW (around a 5C rate) for five minutes, with state-of-charge increasing from 10% to 50% in about five minutes. Overall, the motorcycle achieved a 10–70% charge in just over nine minutes, and 10–80% in approximately 12 minutes.

The solid-state-related battery architecture enables flexible pack design, enabling different energy capacities to be packaged within the same physical footprint, which is particularly relevant for space-constrained applications such as motorcycles.

“Our goal is to provide Verge users with the best possible user experience,” said Tuomo Lehtimäki, CEO of Verge Motorcycles. “The advantages of Donut Lab’s battery technology, such as ultra-fast charging, complement our goal seamlessly. The world’s fastest charging electric motorcycle, the Verge TS Pro, is also air-cooled. The battery pack used in this test is our standard model, but an extended range version is also available, with approximately two-thirds more energy capacity.”

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The adoption of electric vehicles – BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs – is expected to increase in the mid to long term as the auto industry pursues carbon neutrality. Market demand for improved power efficiency is continuing to grow as a result, with motor generators, which play a critical role in extending driving range and improving the performance of electrified vehicles, increasingly required to operate at higher efficiency.

To meet these market needs, reducing power loss in motor generators is essential. Among various approaches, iron-based amorphous alloys – which can significantly reduce iron loss occurring in motor cores – are considered a promising material to realize high-efficiency motors.

In support of this, Denso has invested in Next Core Technologies (NCT) to co-develop advanced motor cores using amorphous alloy technology. The collaboration will combine NCT’s materials and processing expertise with Denso’s motor generator development capabilities, with the goal of enabling mass production of highly efficient motor cores for next-generation applications.

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