Porsche Unveils Electrification Plan, 911 To Remain Combustion Engine

Porsche Taycan 4S vehicle is on display during the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on April 21, 2023, in Shanghai, China. (VCG/GETTY IMAGES)

Luxury automaker Porsche has unveiled its plan to electrify its car lineup but will leave one iconic gas-powered product untouched.

Employees work on Porsche Macan during assembly at the Porsche plant in Leipzig. The automaker will begin series production of the E version of its successful Macan model in Leipzig in 2023. In 2021, more than 88,000 Macans with internal combustion engines had been delivered to customers. The conversion and expansion of the Leipzig plant is currently underway to prepare it for electromobility. Around 600 million euros are being invested, including in a new body shop and a dedicated axle production facility. Porsche is pursuing the goal of having all drive types come off the same production line. The Leipzig site is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. (JAN WOITAS/GETTY IMAGES)

The German automaker set a bold target of having electric vehicles (EVs) account for 80% of its sales by 2030, according to a Reuters report.

However, the company’s beloved 911 will remain the last model powered by an internal-combustion engine.

“Our strategy in the first place is switching to electric mobility and … we will produce the 911 as long as possible with a combustion engine,” Porsche e-fuels team leader Karl Dums said, as per the report.

While Porsche focuses on transitioning its compact SUV Macan, 718 sports cars (the Cayman and Boxster), and Cayenne to electric power, it emphasizes a commitment to producing the 911 with a combustion engine for as long as possible.

The Macan EV is currently in the development stages as it will enter the market within two years.

Porsche’s parent company, Volkswagen, is currently selling EVs that includes the ID.4 and the ID. Buzz, which the equivalent to the iconic bus. Volkswagen’s other luxury subdivision, Audi, is currently producing the e-tron SUV and the e-tron GT.

Porsche’s investment in e-fuels, derived from captured carbon dioxide and renewably produced hydrogen, aims to address sustainability concerns. The company believes e-fuels offer a carbon-neutral solution for the future.

The Porsche 911 boasts an enduring design, retaining its iconic silhouette and rear-engine layout since its inception in 1964. This consistency and evolution have made it one of the most recognizable and beloved sports cars. Additionally, the 911 has a strong motorsport heritage, achieving numerous victories in prestigious racing events, solidifying its reputation as a high-performance sports car with widespread appeal.

Porsche’s Taycan currently the only EV for the brand as it is the electrified version of the gas powered Panarama.

As of lately, Porsche’s sales in EVs have been under threat due to supply chain snags.

“There is no week when we have no supply chain issue,” said Porsche Chief Executive Oliver Blume. “We have to be very flexible.”

Deliveries for the Taycan are up 14% from last year.

Produced in association with Benzinga