First drive in the Maserati Grecale Folgore SUV: Italian luxury is going all-electric and we love it
Italian luxury automaker Maserati is now entering its fourth year of its 100% electric strategy and sits on the precipice of launching its second BEV model – the Grecale Folgore SUV. I got invited to Southern Italy to take the Grecale Folgore to the road (and off the road) to see if the famed automaker’s niche for power and luxury translates to the all-electric age.
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Background on a legacy Italian automaker
Maserati S.p.A is celebrating 110 years in automotive later this year, and during its run, it has stayed true to its Italian roots. Founded in Bologna and currently headquartered in Modena, the “Trident” brand operates under the Stellantis umbrella.
Following suit with its parent company, Maserati has made firm commitments to electrification (we love to see it), especially as many of its Italian sports car competitors drag their feet on the matter. In 2020, Maserati shared a five-year strategy to transition to BEVs, developing and selling all-electric versions of each one of its models.
Maserati called these variants “Folgore,” which is Italian for “lightning,” donning a “rame” (copper) badge that epitomizes a vital material in BEV components. That initial strategy began with the announcement of two all-electric models – the GranTurismo Folgore and the Maserati Grecale Folgore.
The GranTurismo arrived first, launching in late 2022 before hitting the market in 2023. Simultaneously, Maserati began teasing its all-electric follow-up, the Grecale Folgore – a bespoke electric version of combustion SUV that initially launched as a 2023 model and has found a large audience of female drivers (over 40%).
As the Grecale Folgore approaches the start of sales soon, Maserati invited media out to its native Italy to test out the SUV first-hand. Here are my thoughts.
Electric Maserati Grecale Folgore features and specs
As the first all-electric SUV, a lot is riding on the success of the Grecale Folgore, but it should fare relatively well. First, I want to share what I was working with in my travels around the Mediterranean in Italy.
I drove a dual-motor AWD in Folgore’s signature “Rame” paint, a shimmery matte that looks grey in darker lighting, then shines in a brighter copper in the sun (see above). I found all three exterior shades stunning in the Italian sun but was partial to the Rame tint, especially with the copper accents throughout the SUV you can see above and below.
Alright, let’s start with the specs before I share my thoughts. The Grecale Folgore is the first model to sit atop Maserati’s all-electric Giorgio platform, consisting of 33 modules housing lithium-ion cells. Those translate to a whopping 105 kWh pack (97 kWh usable) weighing 1,500 pounds. This is by no means a light and nimble EV, but Maserati aimed to deliver the power it has been celebrated for over the last century.
Two 205 kW electric drive motors provide 820 Nm (~604 lb-ft) of torque and propel the SUV to 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds. It’s not exactly “Folgore”-fast on the straightaway, but it certainly gets the job done. More on that in a bit.
Giorgio is a 400V platform, so its charging capabilities are unfortunately limited. The Grecale Folgore can reach a top DC charge rate of 150 kW. That equates to a 20-80% charge in about 29 minutes (again, 400V platform). We plugged it in on an IONITY pile and got as high as 122 kW, which reflects the charger itself, not the BEV.
AC charging can reach 22 kW, almost double the rate of your average 400V EV, which is a big plus, especially when you figure most owners will be charging primarily at home. Speaking of which, each all-electric Grecale Folgore comes with an AC cable and a Maserati-branded Level 2 charger included—a big perk.
Let’s move inside this copper-clad bad boy next. Here are some pics of the interior:
Maserati branded luxury, with a modern-day spin
While the Grecale Folgore may not be the fastest all-electric SUV on today’s roads, it’s still a Maserati, and the automaker skipped no steps in ensuring its customers experience comfort, class, and quality during every drive.
The cockpit screams quality, starting with the unique ECONYL seats that feature a black/copper combination separated by a superb lasering technique you can view above. The texture is unique, comfortable, and most importantly (to me) sustainable – utilizing recycled materials like plastic bottles and fishing nets for a second life. The design also allows for impressive ventilation plus heat and AC. You KNOW I love an air-conditioned seat. I kept that setting on the entire day and loved it.
Maserati opted away from a head-up display on the electric Grecale in favor of a crystal clear cluster screen flush in the dashboard that was easily visible while driving. The Grecale Folgore is also the first Maserati to feature a digital version of its signature clock in the center of the dash.
The center display was easy to navigate and didn’t require much tap-through. Especially since you can adjust regenerative braking and drive modes directly from the steering wheel, some customers will prefer more physical buttons, especially with the HVAC controls Still, I dug them and had no trouble using them, even while driving.
The park/drive settings are physical buttons in the center display, which I was not a fan of. I admittedly got in the driver’s seat to start the day and had to ask my ride partner how the hell to put the thing into drive. I didn’t see them at first. I can’t speak to the nav system because Maserati had us use Google Maps from a phone. Still, I’d probably go that route (literally and figuratively, anyway) because most infotainment maps suck.
The software was sometimes a little buggy, lagging or giving a black screen for a second, but nothing major. Overall, the vehicle stats and diagnostics were superb in real-time. You can monitor many interesting metrics from the center display, including things like consumption rate, efficiency, and the regen functions. Check it out:
I have more thoughts on the regen below. Lastly, the interior of the electric Grecale was roomy. It’s a relatively small-looking SUV from the outside, but its 2,903 mm wheelbase and completely flat Giorgio platform offer a lot of space for passengers and cargo. The backseat has ample legroom, and the trunk is sneaky big. Especially when you put the seats down. No frunk though. Not a huge loss, but it would be nice to have that extra space for luggage, tools, or all the seafood I consumed during my visit (SO much fish).
After getting a feel for the all-electric Maserati Grecale Folgore (say that five times fast), I was off, putting it through its paces around the countryside and quaint towns around Southern Italy; here are my thoughts.
Grecale Folgore is a decent start in electric Maseratis
The first impression behind the wheel of the Grecale Folgore is a feeling of comfort and quietness. The laminate windows keep the outside world out, although some wind noise can be heard at higher speeds, which is to be expected.
The four drive modes (Max Range, GT, Sport, and Off-Road) were easy to switch through, although I noticed little differences. The regenerative braking is available in four levels, from an ICE-esque roll to a stiffer D- setting. As I always say, I’m a massive proponent of one-pedal driving, and this SUV did not suit my preferences. Even the highest regen required plenty of braking.
Sport mode was the most fun as we got out onto open, windy roads along the Italian coast, away from speed traps, stiffening the suspension a bit with a polarizing feature – simulated engine noises. That’s right, Maserati, no strangers to boisterous engines, added speakers inside and out of the Grecale Folgore to give it a more powerful feel audibly – the most prominent in Sport mode.
I’m personally indifferent since I’m usually blasting Blink-182 anyway, but I can see why some people would want the revving noises and some wouldn’t. Here’s the kicker, though: you can’t turn the sound off. Keep the feature for sure, but give customers the option to silence it if they want.
Aside from Sport Mode, we also got the opportunity to take the Grecale Folgores off-road… which, in my opinion, was more like “off-the-road.” We trekked through large puddles and mud on a dirt road to showcase the SUV’s versatility at a lifted height. It’s a nice feature and good to have for unpaved terrain, but the suspension was still pretty bumpy, so it felt a little gimmicky to me. I wouldn’t take this EV true off-roading because it probably couldn’t handle it, it’s also just too pretty to get all muddy.
While on paper, the acceleration of the all-electric Maserati Grecale is just average, its power can’t be looked over, and it’s still a well-designed vessel for overtaking slow drivers or whipping around hairpin turns. It didn’t feel as sporty of a ride as you’d imagine when you think of the Trident brand, but its makers describe the SUV as a well-rounded, versatile EV, and I won’t disagree.
Overall, the quality of the Grecale Folgore shines, especially in its interior. I’m personally indifferent to the exterior design and found it a little boring from a side profile, but that copper paint is a winner on this one. Its 426 km (264 miles) WLTP range leaves a bit to be desired for the average consumer, but most of those customers likely won’t need more than that driving to and from work.
That heavy battery pack certainly plays a significant role, but Maserati really wanted to deliver full AWD power, but that’s at the cost of efficiency. I would have liked to see a dynamic motor function that automatically turns off the front motor when appropriate to maximize range, but that’s easier said than done.
We don’t have official pricing for the electric Maserati Grecale Folgore yet, but I’d surmise it starts at an MSRP between $90,000 and $100,000. Considering the specs you get, it’s too rich for my blood, but most Maserati customers are buying for the logo and the luxury; this is also an SUV, after all. If you want speed, go for one of the electric coupes.
Overall, the Grecale Folgore is a step in the right direction for Maserati, but efficiencies could be improved in future models to really max out range and performance. They’ve got the look and feel down for sure, though. I was also quite impressed at the brand’s dedication to BEVs in the future. It’s refreshing to see a company rooted in loud, combustion sports cars tout the foresight to get with the times and adapt its ethos to fit that future.
I’m looking forward to the official debut of the GranCabrio Folgore next month, as well as some other surprises that may or may not be coming to light later this year. I plan to keep you in the loop on all that as soon as I can, so be sure to check back with Electrek soon. Catch you on the next one.
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Remember Foxconn? It’s been years since we’ve spoken the name, so it was a big surprise that the automotive division of the behemoth electronics manufacturer would be one of the first Chinese (technically Taiwanese) brands to come to the States. A Foxconn executive recently detailed a full offensive of new BEV models in the works, two of which will hit the US market and one as early as late 2025.
We last covered Foxconn in 2023 as the electronics specialist and automotive contract manufacturer was caught in a tiff with its client Lordstown, which inevitably led to the demise of the short-lived electric pickup startup.
As you may recall, Foxconn acquired the Lordstown production facility in Ohio to build vehicles for other OEMs but had a rough go of it. In addition to failed production runs with Lordstown Motors, Foxconn was also tapped for US manufacturing of Fisker’s second BEV model, the PEAR. We know how that saga ended.
Last we heard, Foxconn was assembling all-electric tractors in Ohio for Monarch, but that was over two years ago. With the way this industry moves, two years without any news is enough to get lost in the EV ether. The Foxconn name has reemerged in recent months as the world’s largest electronics manufacturer has been tied to Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi (possibly all three) as a potential partner to help build software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
In a recent chat with the media, one of Foxconn’s top executives avoided discussing an alliance with Japanese automakers aside from continued interest in a possible joint venture but did divulge plans for six battery electric vehicles to be built in Taiwan and shipped around the globe, two of which will reach US consumers.
Foxconn plans two BEVs that will eventually be built in US
As reported by Auto News Europe, we learned some interesting plans about Foxconn’s global EV expansion, which includes two models in the US, following an April 9 press conference in which Jun Seki touted the Taiwanese company’s potential as a BEV contract manufacturer.
During the presentation, Seki outlined Foxconn’s plans for six all-electric models and buses, proclaiming that the company has the necessary toolbox to design and assemble a full range of EVs. Per Seki, those models will initially be built in Taiwan and shipped worldwide, but Foxconn has the capacity for localized production in different regions, including the US.
Of those six Foxconn models donning the company’s “Foxtron” badge, two are expected to hit the US: The Model D multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), designed by Pininfarina, and the Foxtron Model C crossover, which has been in production for the Taiwanese market since late 2023 as the Luxgen N7.
Foxconn’s Model C will hit the US first and will be available for customers to test by late 2025, per Seki. The Model D is expected to reach US consumers sometime in 2027. While these models will initially be built overseas and shipped over, Foxconn’s top executive shared both models are expected to eventually be built on US sold, assumedly at the Lordstown facility, although that has not been confirmed.
Foxconn also has plans for several non-US BEVs, including a Model B compact crossover, Model E sedan, Model A compact van, and a Model T large bus, and Model U minibus.
Foxconn’s plans to bring EVs to the US come at an interesting time, considering a growing trade war between the US and China amid rising tariffs from both sides. Those ongoing tensions will undoubtedly play a role in Foxconn’s decision whether or not to try and import the Model C and Model D into the US, or could expedite its eventual plans to build them in North America.
This will undoubtedly be a story to watch as we move deeper into 2025. Perhaps we will see the Model C pop up at US showrooms; perhaps not!
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An oil pumpjack is seen in a field on April 08, 2025 in Nolan, Texas.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images
President Donald Trump’s trade war has thrown the oil market into deep uncertainty, triggering wild swings in crude prices, undermining investor confidence and jeopardizing domestic production.
U.S. crude oil hit a low of $55.12 on Wednesday, down 23% from the closing price on April 2 when Trump announced his sweeping plan to slap tariffs on more than 180 countries. The rapid pullback in prices threatens the president’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda as companies will struggle to boost output at profit.
But West Texas Intermediate staged a comeback after Trump suddenly reversed course Wednesday, announcing a 90-day pause on high tariffs for most trade partners with the exception of China. The U.S. benchmark swung 13% from its session low to close at $62.35 in response.
Trump’s decision to lower tariffs to 10% for most countries gave the market a temporary reprieve from fears of a spiraling trade war. But U.S. oil producers face an environment of “extreme uncertainty” that will make them hesitant about investment decisions, said Jim Burkhard, head of oil market research at S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Weaker confidence
U.S. crude oil fell more than 4% on Thursday to under $60 a barrel as traders focused Trump’s decision to hike tariffs on China to an eye-watering 125%. And it’s unclear how negotiations with the dozens of countries that have gotten a reprieve will pan out.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices over the past month
“There’s a pause — the uncertainty has not gone away,” Burkhard said of Trump’s reversal. “Confidence about the future is weaker now than it was a month ago and prices are lower.”
“Can the U.S. negotiate with 70 countries all at once? I don’t think the chaos is over,” he said.
Trump’s on again, off again approach to tariffs is causing real damage, said Susan Bell, senior vice president of commodity markets at Rystad Energy. The safest option in times of uncertainty for asset-based businesses like oil companies is to reduce capital expenditures, Bell said.
“There’s a loss of confidence, not just in investment in the shale industry, but really investment in the United States,” she said.
Oil production threatened
Shale oil companies have driven the rapid growth of the U.S. into the world’s largest crude producer. These companies currently need U.S. crude prices to average at least $65 per barrel to drill new wells at a profit, according to executives at 81 companies surveyed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
U.S. crude prices in the low $60s is the zone where companies may start drilling less over the next six months, Burkhard said. Producers will increasingly have to decide either to reduce lucrative returns for shareholders or scale back their activity in the oil patch, he said.
Some 50 rigs could get cut immediately with more potentially on the chopping block if prices remain at these levels, Bell said.
Goldman Sachs has lowered its price forecast for WTI to $58 by December 2025 and $51 by the end of next year. U.S. onshore oil growth would flatline if crude falls to range of $50 to $55 per barrel for a sustained period, said Walt Chancellor, an energy strategist at Macquarie Group.
Shale companies also face the threat of Trump’s steel tariffs potentially increasing the cost of new wells by 10%, Bell said. The companies would need even higher oil prices to drill new wells profitably, she said.
“It adds to costs at the time that their that oil prices are falling — it’s another hit,” Burkhard said of the steel tariffs.
U.S. shale producers were scathing in their criticism of Trump’s tariff policy in anonymous responses to the the Dallas Fed Energy Survey published in March.
One executive said “the administration’s chaos is a disaster for the commodity markets.” Trump’s call to “drill, baby, drill” is a “myth and a populist rallying cry,” the executive said. The president’s “tariff policy is impossible for us to predict and doesn’t have a clear goal,” the person said, calling for “stability.”
“I have never felt more uncertainty about our business in my entire 40-plus-year career,” another executive told the Dallas Fed.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged Tuesday that tumbling prices will worry oil producers. Wright, the founder and former CEO of natural gas fracking company Liberty Energy, argued that Trump will drive down producers’ costs by removing uncertainty around permitting and approving more pipelines and export terminals, allowing them to pump at lower prices.
“Lower prices are good for consumers, and as producers get lower and lower cost structure, they’re going to thrive at lower prices as well,” Wright told CNBC’s “Money Movers.” “What you’re seeing right now is the fear and uncertainty as the sausage is being made,” he said of Trump’s tariff policy.
The unpredictability caused by Trump’s tariffs has also hit the stock of the company Wright founded. Liberty’s shares are down 32% since April 2.
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Mazda is finally about to launch a real electric SUV: Here’s our first look at the new EZ-60
It’s about the size of a Tesla Model Y and surprisingly stylish. Mazda revealed the new EZ-60 on Thursday, giving us our first look at the new electric SUV that will be sold globally.
Mazda unveils first look at the new EZ-60 electric SUV
The EZ-60 is a “dream car” designed by Mazda’s joint venture partner in China, Changan Mazda. It will be the second EV, following the EZ-6 electric sedan launched last October.
After revealing the first official images on Thursday, Changan Mazda said its new electric SUV will be “another masterpiece of the brand’s new energy strategy.”
Based on Changan’s EPA1 platform, the EZ-60 will be a sibling to the Deepal S07 crossover SUV. It will arrive with similar specs and powertrain configurations. The S07 is powered by a 79.97 kWh battery, good for WLTP range of 295 miles. With charging rates at 93 kW, the electric SUV can fast charge (30% to 80%) in 35 mins.
Since the Deepal S07 is 4,750 mm long, 1,930 mm wide, and 1,625 mm, Mazda’s electric SUV is expected to be about the same size. That’s about the size of a Tesla Model Y at 4,750 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall.
Like the EZ-6, the electric SUV features Mazda’s new “Soul of Motion” design, which includes a full-length light bar across the front, slim LED headlights, and a redesigned logo.
Changan Mazda said the integrated D-pillar air duct design is the first for a new energy SUV model. The design not only looks sleek, but it improves its aerodynamics.
Although the interior will be revealed later this month, it will likely include a similar setup to the EZ-6. The revamped interior features 14.6″ infotainment and 10.1″ driver display screens. Other premium features like zero-gravity reclining seats and a 50″ virtual head-up display add to the “Smart Cabin” interior.
Mazda’s first 6e model, the global version of the EZ-6, rolled off the production line last week. Built at Changan Mazda’s plant in China, the electric sedan will be exported to Europe, Thailand, and other global markets.
In China, the EZ-6 starts at 139,800, or about $20,000, with a CLTC driving range of up to 600 km (372 miles). It will be available in Europe with two battery options, 68.8 kWh and 80 kWh, providing 479 km (300 miles) and 552 km (343 miles) of WLTP driving range.
Changan Mazda will unveil the new EZ-60 electric SUV on April 23 at the Shanghai International Auto Show. Check back soon for more updates.
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