Italy Pushes Supercar Exception to Combustion Engine Ban

Italy is fighting to preserve supercar brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari in their current forms as Europe makes wholesale changes to its auto industry — which could have sweeping implications for Formula 1. 

The country is asking for supercar exemptions to a rule proposed by the European Commission which would ban new combustion engine cars starting in 2035.

Supporters of the carve-out argue that supercar makers typically produce a small number of vehicles and have limited impact on climate change.

Renault, like Ferrari, participates in F1, and has asked for an extension to 2040. Lamborghini races in the GT World Challenge and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series.

• Ferrari is set to roll out its first all-electric model in 2025. The company said last month that it welcomes the combustion engine ban.
• Lamborghini is spending $1.8 billion to produce electric versions of its current models, with the first ones coming in 2024.
• The all-electric Formula E race has seen more luxury brands join in recent years and now includes Porsche, BMW, and Jaguar.

The ban, proposed in July, is not yet finalized and needs approval from the European Union’s member states.

The EV market is growing quickly: Consumer spending on electric models grew 50% year-over-year in 2020 to $120 billion.