Swappable Batteries
The Ferrari Luce’s got a trick up its sleeve that will pretty much let it last forever. The Prancing Horse was thinking far into the future with this EV, designing it to last a long time.
One of the biggest problems most EVs will eventually encounter is battery longevity. We live in a world where a dying battery could be a signal for a new phone, laptop, or car, but considering that the Luce’s well into the six-figure range, I guess it’s the least that the engineers could do to ensure that the useful life of the electric SUV is beyond a ‘normal’ EV.
Swappable Battery Module
Ferrari boasts that the Luce features a swappable battery module. The 800V, 122 kWh battery pack isn’t fully integrated into the chassis and can be taken out if needed. Apart from serving as a design vehicle for future replacements, the cells can also be upgraded should newer, better EV technologies emerge.
Replacement or upgrades are at the core of Ferrari’s battery design with the Luce, but another school of thought here is to adapt the platform for future battery tech in case current standards are no longer in production.
Elena Ligabue, head of battery pack development for Ferrari, told CarExpert, “The chassis, the car, and the battery housing are forever. What we can do is replace the technology inside with something new in the future. That is why there is no fixed grid inside the housing. We create the grid with the modules.”
The battery pack of the Ferrari Luce is assembled in-house at the brand’s new e-building at Maranello. Like its other cars, Ferrari keeps a close eye on its newest EV while it still can. Italian craftsmanship and quality control are part of the Ferrari promise, and the secret sauce that ensures that you’re getting a product that can command such a premium.
Beyond the Swappability
Ferrari says it has optimized the large pouch-style cells in the car, striking a balance between energy and power. According to the report, the gravimetric energy density is approximately 305 Wh/kg.
Each of the 15 modules in the car has its own cooling plate made of aluminum. Not only do these plates act as heat sinks for the battery packs, but they also serve as a structural element in the vehicle’s chassis.
The power controller in the Luce is equally advanced, and even as the cells age over numerous cycles, the system monitors temperature and voltage to maintain performance over time.
Beyond the Maintenance Program
If you’re unaware, Ferrari has a maintenance program that requires you to return to the dealership for service, or else you risk getting on the Prancing Horse’s bad side. The program lasts seven years across the range, and the Luce boasts an eight-year warranty that covers the electric drivetrain, powertrain, and charging system.
With all of this in tow, maybe some automakers should take a page out of Ferrari’s book. Swappable batteries look like the wave of the future as they can ensure EVs have a more useful life for long-term owners, if owners were so keen on keeping a Ferrari like this for “that” long.
Ferrari
