While Ferrari’s Chairman and electric car skeptic Sergio Marchionne has declared they will never build an EV Ferrari as such concept is“obscene,” the team behind the San Diego-based Electric GT apparently begs to differ. The story began when founder Eric Hutchison salvaged a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS with its motor and electrical systems beyond repair suffering a fire due to a fuel leak. Teaming with friend and EV specialist Michael Bream, Hutchison was keen to give it a new life with electric power and a new name; christened the 308 GTE, it could be the first ever electric Ferrari.

It took about 18 months for Electric GT to sort out the system. The team replaced the 2.9-litre V8 engine with three AC51 HPEVS electric motors giving the car 415 hp, almost double of what it used to be. The 30 kWh battery pack delivers excellent performance with a range of up to 160km. Even though the EV does not get any official affection from Ferrari, the project is well supported by Prancing Horse lovers with people flying in from across the United States just to see it. The car will be displayed at various events and will join the ReFuel Electric Car Races on 22nd May at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. Hopefully, its performance will make the Italians think twice about developing an EV concept.