Porsche Postpones Launch Of Key Electric Models

Porsche aims for 80% of its sales to stem from electric vehicles by 2030, yet it reportedly struggles to electrify its product lineup. As a result, the company may need to keep selling models with combustion engines longer than initially intended.

A particular challenge arises with the new generation Cayman and Boxster, which are set to include electric powertrains. According to a German report, Porsche is struggling to match the driving dynamics of the existing combustion models. Additionally, the company is working hard to refine battery chemistry. Automobilwoche has reported that Porsche has been requesting frequent changes from its battery supplier, Valmet Automotive, but is reluctant to cover the associated costs fully. These difficulties could potentially push back the launch of the upcoming electric Boxster and Cayman family.

However, it’s not just the Boxster and Cayman that are causing problems. Porsche had planned to launch an all-electric Cayenne in 2026, but that project could be further delayed. Porsche has also been working for years on a new seven-seat SUV that will sit above the Cayenne, known as the K1, but the timeline for the new SUV could also change.

The report states that Porsche is examining whether the K1, originally developed as an EV only, could be modified to adopt an internal combustion engine. This could require a switch from the SSP platform to the same underpinnings as the current Cayenne.

Weaker sales have prompted Porsche to reconsider its electric plans. European sales of the Taycan have fallen 52% this year to 7,548, and the all-electric Macan is not selling in the volumes it had hoped (it only reached 6,377 units this year). Weak demand could force Porsche to move Taycan production from Zuffenhausen to its main plant in Leipzig. Porsche sales in China have also fallen 29%.

• Read More: Porsche Says It Will Stick To Combustion Engines For A Lot Longer Than Expected