People spotted Ferrari F430 occupying a charging station designated for EVs, with the charging plug comically tucked into its rear wheel. This curious incident reportedly took place in Greece and was posted by an electric vehicle enthusiast on a local Facebook group, igniting debate over “ICEing” – the act of parking a gas-powered (internal combustion engine, or ICE) vehicle in an EV charging space.
“ICEing” of Ferrari F430
The Ferrari F430, a classic combustion engine sports car, has attracted attention for the driver’s disregard of EV-only charging spots. Reactions online ranged from humorous to frustrated. One commenter wrote, “It’s a yes from me,” while others took issue with the driver’s actions, some even hinting at keying the vehicle as a response to the perceived disrespect.
ICEing has become a growing issue worldwide, with an increase in incidents where ICE drivers intentionally park in EV spots, often with the intent to inconvenience EV drivers. To address this, countries such as Australia have implemented fines to deter ICE drivers from blocking charging stations. Penalties can be substantial, with fines ranging from $185 in Tasmania to over $3,000 in Queensland.
Ferrari’s Foray into Hybrid Models
While this particular Ferrari is far from electric, the automaker has been gradually introducing hybrid models, such as the plug-in hybrid 296 GTB and the SF90 Stradale. Ferrari is also moving towards a fully electric lineup, with plans to introduce its first battery-electric models in the coming years. According to Ferrari’s forecast, its first fully electric vehicle could make up around 5% of its 2026 sales, with that figure expected to rise significantly by 2030.
In a statement from earlier this year, Ferrari’s head of product marketing, Emanuele Carando, noted that while the company is introducing lower-emission options, the choice ultimately lies with customers, who will continue to have options between traditional combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs.
EV Etiquette: Ferrari F430
While incidents like this Ferrari blocking an EV charger may seem like minor annoyances, they highlight the growing need for awareness and respect around EV charging etiquette. For electric vehicle drivers, finding an ICE vehicle blocking a charger can be more than frustrating, as it may prevent them from accessing essential power.
As electric vehicle ownership rises and automakers like Ferrari pivot toward more eco-friendly options, proper use of EV chargers will become increasingly important, especially as more locations enforce penalties for ICEing. Hopefully, as Ferrari moves into the electric future, its combustion-powered classics will stay clear of these vital EV spaces.