The Italian automaker Ferrari recently unveiled the Luce – its first all-electric vehicle – to a controversial online response.  The new car has been criticised by commentators, social media users, the Italian transport minister, and former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo for deviating from the brand’s design principles. Some have also speculated that the negative reaction may be motivated by opposition to electric vehicles. 

But what do the public think? UK based opinion pollster YouGov showed Britons a photo of the Ferrari Luce using YouGov Surveys, and the results show that just over half of Britons (52%) say they dislike the design, while three in ten say they like it (29%). Among car enthusiasts, opinion changes, but the design is still more disliked than liked (47%. vs. 36%). 

Beyond the numbers, YouGov asked respondents to describe the car in one sentence. While some praised it for being “sleek”, “futuristic”, and “innovative”, others described it as “awkward” and “boxy”. Multiple respondents compared it to the episode of The Simpsons where Homer designs his own car.

So how much do feelings about electric cars in general play into opinions of the Luce? YouGov asked Britons whether they have a positive or negative view of EVs, and they  were generally more favourable than not (49% vs. 26%). When asked about Ferrari’s decision to release an electric car, 50% were in favour, and just 12% were opposed. 

Among those who have positive feelings about EVs, 47% like the Luce’s design, while 35% do not. By comparison, six in ten Britons with negative feelings about electric cars dislike the new model’s aesthetics, with just a fifth saying they approve (60% vs. 19%).