Ferrari’s Newest Patent Could Mean Futuristic Electric Speed

Ferrari shows its electric plans in a new patent that allows for a traditional mid-engine layout which is unique for EV models.

This new plan positions the battery pack somewhere we expect from this automaker, but not where others put their batteries. This new proposal shows electric Ferrari models with a massive battery pack behind the seats. Most automakers place batteries in the floor, providing a lower center of gravity, but not Ferrari. They have to do things differently, and typically, better than their competitors.

Departing from the SF90 Stradale

Currently, Ferrari makes one hybrid performance car, the SF90 Stradale.  This car is strangely eligible for the tax credit in the United States. This car uses a hybrid layout, but not one that is part of the future plans for this automaker. This fact may hint at the SF90 Stradalebeing deleted from the market.  Once the new electric performance machines arrive using the new platform.

Ferrari intends to launch a lineup of electric cars in 2025. Is Ferrari ready to handle the pressure of other performance automakers?

The Ferrari Patent is Interesting

The patent filed in June 2019, published in January, provides a look at a new electric Ferrari supercar. The images in the plans show the classic mid-engine Ferrari layout with the power plant right beyond the seats. A massive mid-mounted battery pack and several smaller batteries make up this power plant. In all, there are three separate units that bolt to a subframe that then bolts to the vehicle’s main frame. Ferrari intends to use this platform across several new EV and hybrid models.

Would a Hybrid Ferrari Delete Some of the Batteries?

Normally, we would expect the use of a hybrid system to require the removal of some of the batteries. That is not what the Ferrari patent tells us. This plan includes using hybrid driving technology with all batteries remaining in position. The area behind the batteries or in the front of the car will house a gasoline motor for hybrid versions. We might see some interesting power numbers coming out of the hybrid Ferrari models of the future.

The Subframe Angles Upward

The new patent shows the subframe angled upward in the profile views of the platform. This angling serves two purposes for EV Ferrari models. The slight angling allows for downforce at the back of the car to keep the rear area of the car planted on the track. With the history of motorsports racing of Ferrari, this expected feature is one way new electric models will remain competitive. The other benefit this angled area offers is added cooling of the batteries.

Because the batteries are stacked together parallel to the platform, this angled feature of the subframe increases the exchange of heat with the platform to keep the batteries cooler during high-performance driving. Using the strakes of a diffuser could send more air to the batteries to cool them or extract heat from the batteries, creating a heatsink that allows the batteries to remain at optimum operating temperatures.

Versatile Battery Structures Available to Ferrari

The Ferrari patent allows for the floor-mounted battery packs to be cylindrical battery cells, but other battery shapes and types can be used in the rear pack and large central stack. This means cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch cells can be used for a hybrid or electric Ferrari vehicle. As better batteries are developed, this new plan allows Ferrari models to be versatile and adapt to changing battery technology.

In addition to using new batteries and those of various shapes, this new plan allows for the right battery layout. Some types of cells drain energy quickly while others are more energy-dense, providing a good balance of power and performance whenever an electric Ferrari heads out to the track for a high-speed drive around a closed loop.

Ferrari Might Keep Aesthetics in Place

This impressive patent doesn’t just tell us about the batteries and their position, it offers potential style elements of the future Ferrari models. The representations offered show items that won’t be necessary but could be part of the look we see. An electric car does not need an exhaust pipe or several of them, but the drawings in the patent do show these items on some of the future cars. This might mean we see future models that look the same from the outside while being silent under the skin, offering the futuristic drive that will take Ferrari into the EV world.

We Still Don’t Know Much

Although we can review the patent pages and see how this car company wants to position batteries, we don’t know much at all. What we don’t know is exactly how many batteries will be used, how much power will electric Ferrari models make, and how far they can drive on a full charge. These questions will be answered as we come ever closer to these new hybrid and electric supercars from this brand. Will new electric Ferrari models keep up with the competition?  We won’t know until we see these new Ferraris.