What the car is and where it came from
The Pininfarina Battista is the first car branded by Automobili Pininfarina GmbH. It is an electric performance car, unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It is named after founder Battista Pininfarina. Production began in 2022 in Cambiano, Italy.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
Four individual wheel-mounted electric motors deliver torque to each corner. A 120 kW⋅h Rimac-supplied battery powers them. The driver engages acceleration with a single pedal. There is no gearbox, no clutch, no exhaust note.
What it gets right
It gets right the integration of extreme power into a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque with aluminium crash structures. It gets right the placement of four motors for instant torque delivery and directional control. It gets right the commitment to limited production—150 units—as a structural constraint, not a marketing afterthought.
What it does not
It does not offer driver-adjustable regenerative braking modes. It does not use a dual-clutch or manual transmission. It does not have a spare wheel, a boot large enough for luggage, or a rear seat.
What it changed
It changed the expectation for what a new Italian automotive brand could launch with: not a combustion-engine grand tourer or sports car, but an all-electric hypercar built around torque vectoring, carbon fibre mass reduction, and Rimac-derived powertrain architecture.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for collectors who prioritise technical specification, Italian design provenance, and exclusivity over daily usability or long-distance comfort. It is not for drivers seeking analogue feedback, mechanical simplicity, or service accessibility.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you are assessing how far electric drivetrains can push performance boundaries in a hand-built, low-volume sports car. No—if you need evidence of real-world usability, service infrastructure, or driving engagement beyond acceleration.
