Ferrari is rejecting fake engine noise for its first EV, and opts for ‘authentic’ motor sound
Ferrari has released details about its approach to powertrain sounds with its first electric vehicle, the Elettrica, and I am intrigued. If well-executed, I even think it might convince some petrolheads to give EVs a try.
In short, Ferrari is rejecting fake engine noise for its first EV and opts for an ‘authentic’ yet improved electric powertrain sound directly generated by the electric motors.
Today, Ferrari released the specs and tech details of its first all-electric vehicle, the Elettrica.
I’ve already posted a detailed article going through the specs, as well as the powertrain and chassis technologies developed by Ferrari for this impressive next-gen EV.
But I wanted to write a separate article specifically about Ferrari’s approach to sound in its first all-electric car because I think its strategy is exciting. I even believe that it could convince some hardcore petrol heads who reject EVs to give them a real shot.
For years, legacy automakers have struggled with how to engineer an auditory experience for EVs that replaces the roar of combustion.
Whether you like them or not, engine sounds are essential, especially in performance vehicles. They are part of the identity of certain cars – a sort of signature. They can be emotional. They can give a sense of power.
But beyond that, they are information. The pitch, volume, and texture of the engine sound provide critical, real-time feedback to the driver about RPM, load, and the car’s health.
Some electric automakers are using curated soundscapes (like BMW with Hans Zimmer) or trying to mimic V8s (like Dodge with its “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust“). I don’t have a problem with those as long as they are optional, meaning you can turn them off, as I’m not a fan of cars making fake noises.
Other automakers are simply letting the natural sounds of the electric motors exist. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, considering that electric motors produce minimal sounds, which are then trapped inside a metal casing, you rarely hear anything significant, especially in modern vehicles with quiet cabins and even active noise cancellation.
For most EVs, this is not a problem, but for a performance electric vehicle, it does feel like something is missing.
Ferrari’s approach to sound in its first electric car
Ferrari’s solution is a novel one, focusing on what it calls an “authentic voice unique to the electric engine.”
I attended Ferrari’s tech day for the Elettrica, and Antonio Palermo, the brand’s head of NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and sound quality, gave an excellent presentation about how the company approaches the problem.
He said that there was a lot of internal debate at Ferrari about how to manage the powertrain:
It took us a long time to reach a consensus about what sound to get, but it was clear that we wanted something authentic.
Again, the problem with being authentic with an electric vehicle is that if the powertrain and packaging team did their job right, there’s little sound to play with.
An electric guitar inspired Palermo’s solution. Unlike an accoutic guitar, an electric drive unit doesn’t a hollow body or sound hole to convert the string vibrations into audible sound.
Much like an electric guitar, Ferrari’s solution involves capturing and amplifying the actual vibrations of the drivetrain components. The automaker explained:
A high-precision sensor installed on the rear axle picks up the frequencies of the powertrain, which are amplified and projected into the surroundings as with an electric guitar… the sensor used is an accelerometer installed at a very rigid point on the inverter casting.
This approach, which utilizes an accelerometer to capture solid-borne vibrations from the drive unit, enables Ferrari to amplify a sound that matches exactly what the motors produce – making it authentic.
Ferrari insists the sound will only be used when “functionally useful” to provide feedback to the driver and will be directly tied to torque requests.
In normal driving situations, silence is preferred to maximise acoustic comfort, but when the driver requests torque from the powertrain by accelerating or uses the shift paddles in manual mode, the sound activates to offer dialogue and connection between driver and car.
Palermo added that the latency is non-perceivable to the human ear. In spirited driving, you will be able to hear the motor accelerate, regen, or even decouple since front motors of the Elettrica are equipped with a disconnect to turn the vehicle into a rear-wheel-drive.
The entire system was reportedly developed in-house, giving Ferrari complete control over the vehicle’s final acoustic signature.
Electrek’s Take
This is a fascinating and, frankly, refreshing move from Ferrari. We’ve seen numerous gimmicks from legacy automakers attempting to make their EVs feel and sound like the gas cars they are replacing. Most of them fall flat because they are fundamentally inauthentic.
Ferrari’s “electric guitar” approach is different. By choosing to amplify the real sounds of the electric motor and inverter based on the real vibrations, they are embracing the new technology rather than hiding it. They are making a confident statement that an electric powertrain can be emotionally engaging on its own terms, without having to pretend to be something it’s not.
It’s a brilliant piece of engineering that stays true to the brand’s performance-focused ethos, where sensory feedback is a critical part of the driving experience. And it’s optional. If you prefer a completely silent drive, you can disable it.
The purists who were worried that Ferrari would lose its soul in the EV transition should be encouraged by this.
Ultimately, it could even convert some of those petrol head purists who can’t stand a car experience without the smell of gasoline and the roaring sounds of combustion.
However, we need to hear it first. Everyone who heard it at Ferrari seemed impressed, but they are obviously biased. The test drivers are reportedly enjoying the audio feedback, but the brand is staying secretive.
As I reported in my full article about the Ferrari Elettrica, the automaker is doing the unveiling in three parts. This is just the first part, covering specs and technical details. We will have to wait for the second (Q1 2026) or third (Q2 2026) part to hear about the vehicle.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Aptera, the company behind a highly efficient electric vehicle capable of charging from the sun, is about to go public, but its approach raises concerns.
Is it the end of another solar car project?
There have been a handful of “solar car” projects and they all have failed so far.
I put “solar car” in quotes because they are essentially small electric vehicles that are so efficient that adding solar panels can contribute relatively significantly to charging the car.
Aptera is one of the rare survivors, thanks to a couple of relatively successful crowdfunding efforts. The company has been inching closer to bringing its vehicle to production, but it still appears to need some investments to make it happen.
Now, Aptera is going public.
Generally, that’s good news. An initial public offering (IPO) means that a company is going to raise capital for its operations and give more people the opportunity to invest in the company.
However, Aptera is not doing a traditional IPO. It’s not even doing a SPAC deal. It’s doing a direct listing, which means that if approved by NASDAQ, it will allow shareholders to trade their shares on the public market.
This is usually an exit strategy for existing shareholders. Aptera won’t receive any proceeds from going public. They wrote in their SEC filing:
This prospectus relates to the registration of the resale of up to 31,741,948 shares of our non-voting Class B common stock… We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Class B common stock by the registered stockholders.”
What good could come out of this for the company?
As of the end of June 2025, the last reporting date, Aptera had about $13 million in the bank, and it is burning through more than that in a year – meaning it is running out of cash.
The company needs to be infused with capital soon, and this direct listing is not it.
Meanwhile, Aptera stated that the public listing will not occur until at least October 14, next week, to allow shareholders, including those who invested in the crowdfunding rounds, sufficient time to transfer their shares into their broker accounts and trade them.
Electrek’s Take
As I previously disclosed, I invested a small amount in Aptera’s crowdfunding campaign a few years ago. Nothing I wasn’t entirely willing to lose. I knew and consistently stated that the project would be challenging to bring to market.
I invested because I love the project and wanted to help give them a chance to succeed. I not only like the solar aspect, but also the idea of creating a hyper-efficient vehicle that still retains a relatively high level of utility.
But this smells like the end to me. I’d love to hear your take in the comments below, but I don’t see a way out of this for the company.
I guess there’s a possibility that insiders somehow hold, and there’s some public demand for the stock amid this crazy bubble we are in – resulting in a price increase, which Aptera takes advantage of with a public offering. But that sounds far-fetched, doesn’t it?
What other possible scenarios are there except for the obvious one where current shareholders quickly dump their shares, the stock crashes, Aptera can’t raise capital, and closes its door and sell itself for parts?
While solar cars are cool, the most efficient way to power an electric car with solar energy is to have solar panels on your home. If you are in the US, the next few weeks are likely the last opportunity to secure a solar installation and take advantage of the federal tax credit, which is set to expire.
If you want to make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar – whether you’re a homeowner or renter. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, including those who install Tesla Solar and Powerwalls, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. The company is currently working double time to help people secure solar installations before the end of the tax credit.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The new Nissan LEAF hit the streets of the UK for the first time, bringing a fresh crossover SUV-like look, up to 386 miles of driving range, and a host of other upgrades.
Nissan introduces the new LEAF in the UK
Nissan’s electric hatch is back, but you may not recognize it. The LEAF drops its hatchback design for its third generation, adopting a new crossover SUV-like style.
“The all-new LEAF is the embodiment of our DNA here at Nissan: smart, sleek, stylish, and ready for the next generation of EV drivers,” Cliodhna Lyons, Nissan’s VP of product and services planning for the AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania) region, said on Thursday.
Nissan announced the new LEAF hit the streets of the UK for the first time as it prepares to open pre-orders. The new LEAF will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland, UK, plant alongside the Qashqai and Juke SUVs.
The new LEAF will be available with two battery options, 52 kWh and 75 kWh, offering a WTLP range of 271 miles and 386 miles.
According to Nissan, the 75 kWh battery delivers a range of up to 269 miles (WLTP) and energy consumption as low as 4.5 miles/kWh when travelling at 70 mph on the highway.
With DC charging speeds of up to 150 kW, the new LEAF can add 273 miles of range in just 30 minutes. It’s also equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) with up to 3.1 kW output, to power up mobile devices, a camping setup, a work site, and more.
Inside, the new LEAF features dual 14.3″ driver display and infotainment screens. Powered by NissanConnect with Google built-in, drivers have access to Google Maps Car Route Planner, Google Assistant, and more.
The new model offers a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance (ADAS) features, such as Intelligent Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist. Other optional features include 3D Around View Monitor, Invisible Hood View, and Front Wide View.
Nissan will open pre-orders for the new LEAF by the end of 2025, with the first customer deliveries slated for Spring 2026. Prices will be announced soon.
In the US, Nissan said the 2026 LEAF has “the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US,” priced from just $29,990. It will begin arriving at US dealerships any day now. The 2026 Nissan LEAF offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 303 miles. That’s a big upgrade from the up to 212 miles of range in the outgoing LEAF.
What do you think of the new LEAF? Are you a fan of the crossover look? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
![World's first autonomous, hydrogen farm tractor debuts in Kubota orange [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/kubota_MAIN.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Japanese equipment giant Kubota has pulled the wraps off a world’s first. The new, Autonomous Fuel Cell Tractor packs electric drive motors powered by a hydrogen fuel cell — one that can get topped off with hydrogen made from farm waste!
As longtime Electrek readers already know: I’m no fan of hydrogen as a transport fuel, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work in other applications — and one of those is certainly large-scale farming. In that context, Kubota’s latest announcement feels like a natural sequel to the company’s broader push into electrification and intelligent farming tools.
At CES 2025 for example, Kubota showed off a suite of connected, ADAS-equipped commercial machinery with electric drive, including an “Agri Concept” robotic farm tractor and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered genset, intentionally signaling the brand’s transition from an equipment manufacturer to a more holistic (and marketing-driven) “agricultural solution partner.”
Kubota equipment | CES 2025
The company has high hopes for its electric farm equipment, as Japan (like other Western nations) is struggling to attract young people into farming, leading to a continually aging and shrinking workforce and ongoing labor shortage.
“The concept behind this model is to simultaneously achieve environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and labor saving,” reads the official press copy. “Since only water is discharged during operation, it is environmentally friendly, and is also designed for operation without operators onboard via autonomous driving and remote control.”
You’ve heard all that before. What may be new to you is the notion that hydrogen can be produced locally, by many kinds of farmers, using existing farm inputs that convert biowaste into methane, then reform or electrolyze it into hydrogen. That circular model gives farmers in areas with limited grid access (or a desire to stay off the grid, for their own reasons) a viable way to generate and store energy.
Energy that, unlike the electricity from solar panels, can power modified reciprocating engines like Cummins’ (relatively) new X15 diesel or a number of Volvo Penta engines.
Electrek’s Take
Do any research at all into farming and agriculture as-a-whole and you’ll be shocked by the age of farmers and the age of their equipment, too. The industry is packed with combustion engines, people fearful of big corporations taking their data, and of big governments cutting off their fuel supplies (however ironic that may be). To them, and to the heavy machines that are already too big and heavy to work in rain and mud in some cases, a relatively lightweight, on-site energy solution might be a welcome thing.
You know, until they remember that the sun exists, anyway.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Kubota.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports2 years agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports3 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment1 year agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024