Porsche CEO Oliver Blume has confirmed a major realignment of its future showroom is underway, in the face of a devastating 67 per cent operating loss in H1 of 2025. This will include a winding back of its EV push.
“We have seen a clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars, and we are taking that into account. That’s why we are pushing back development of selected fully electric models,” Blume said.
It is believed that development of the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman is so advanced that it will still go ahead, however, there will also be “Top ICE derivatives” for the new 718, according to a company slide from its earnings report.
Porsche was banking big on transitioning its entire range (except 911) to full electrification, with development underway on the electric Cayenne (prototypes pictured above and below) and the upcoming ‘K1’ seven-seater.
Now, the Panamera will continue to feature combustion power, with hybridisation available. The Cayenne and Macan will be available with all three powertrain types, while the K1 will have ICE & ‘xHEV’ propulsion.
Earlier this month, Autocar reported that Porsche is hurriedly preparing a replacement for the ICE Macan, using the Premium Platform Combustion which underpins the Audi Q5. So as not to delay development, it is expected to retain the front-wheel drive bias of Audi’s Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive system.
Audi’s Quattro Ultra system is an on-demand system which stays front-wheel drive until conditions are met for the rear wheels to be driven.
The 718 EV will use a vertically stacked battery behind the rear seats, for a 42/58 front/rear weight distribution. A similar setup is employed by the Chinese Small Sports Car SC-01. And then the new petrol option is expected to go back to a flat-six.
The interesting part in all of this is that Porsche may have to modify the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) to accommodate ICE engines. In a statement, Blume said:
“With a convincing mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles, we want to meet the entire range of customer requirements. In the medium term, this approach is intended to support our business model and strengthen our market position.”
A Porsche press release from the UK outlined the near future goals and changes, stating:
- The product range is to be specifically supplemented by brand-defining vehicle models with combustion engines.
- The new SUV series above the Cayenne, which has so far been intended as all-electric, will initially be offered exclusively as a combustion engine and plug-in hybrid model due to market conditions.
- The existing combustion engine models will remain available for a longer period. New generations of successor models have been added to the Cycle Plan for these vehicle models.
- The development of the planned new platform for electric vehicles in the 2030s will be rescheduled.The existing all-electric model range is being continuously updated.
- These measures are intended to support financial results in future fiscal years but will lead to considerable additional depreciation and provisions in the short term.
