Porsche could reverse its decision to make the second-generation Macan SUV exclusively electric. This is amid one of the most difficult periods in the brand’s history.
The new Macan Electric was unveiled in July last year as Porsche’s second EV, following the Taycan. While the larger Cayenne has been modified to remain on sale in petrol form even after the launch of an all-new electric version (due later this year), the petrol Macan was removed from sale in the EU in April due to new cybersecurity laws. It is still offered in other markets, including the UK, but is expected to be discontinued this year.
Now Porsche insiders have told Autocar that bosses are reconsidering their decision, following a 7% drop in Porsche sales globally. The decline was largely driven by falling sales of the Taycan amid a broader slowdown in interest in EVs. With sales down 50%, it was Porsche’s worst-performing model in 2024. Porsche has therefore significantly reduced production of the Taycan.
Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke has now confirmed that EVs will remain a critical part of Porsche’s lineup. Initially, Porsche aimed for electric vehicles to account for 80% of its global sales by 2030, but this goal has since been reframed to be “dependent on customer demand.”
“We are exploring the possibility of equipping some of the originally planned electric models with hybrid drives or internal combustion engines in the future,” said Meschke.
“Conceptual decisions are being made, but what is clear is that we have been committed to the internal combustion engine for much longer.” Sources at Porsche suggest that the new Macan petrol is being reconsidered as part of a “product range scenario.”.
“The reception of the new Macan [Electric] has been positive, but we have yet to see its long-term performance, given uncertain market conditions,” said a Porsche insider.
“The decline in Taycan sales highlights new market dynamics. We cannot rely solely on traditional assumptions about consumer behaviour.”
The Macan petrol model was a hugely important product for Porsche, with around 500,000 vehicles sold over its 10-year lifespan. It was also a success in China, a market where Porsche sales fell by almost 30% in 2024.