The vehicle market is dominated by electric vehicles
Is Porsche going in the opposite direction?
News of a shocking decision
The Cayenne is the best-selling SUV by the German sports car manufacturer Porsche. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume recently announced that the company will continue to sell the Cayenne with an internal combustion engine after 2030. Porsche previously announced that it would sell the 2026 fourth-generation Cayenne as an EV model, meaning it would sell the third-generation and fourth-generation Cayenne simultaneously from 2025.
Cayenne is based on Volkswagen’s PL series platform and the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi’s Q7. Porsche’s flagship model accounts for nearly half of its global and cumulative sales. Let’s take a closer look at Porsche’s surprising decision this time.
Environmental regulations are getting tougher, and Porsche is ready to comply
Porsche continues investing heavily in the Cayenne, a popular model among enthusiasts. The third-generation Cayenne, which has seen significant upgrades, is set to receive enhancements to its powertrain lineup and additional improvements. Porsche has also confirmed that the V8 trim will stay in the lineup. The company stated that “extensive technical measures” are in place to ensure the twin-turbo V8 engine meets future emissions regulations.
Blume said, “The Cayenne has always defined the sports car segment.” He also expressed his confidence in the Cayenne EV, saying, “The fourth generation will set standards in the segment as an electric SUV.” He also mentioned that customers can choose from various Cayenne powertrains, including internal combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs.
Porsche backs off EV target
Why?
Porsche recently backed down from its goal of having 80 percent of its new models be EVs by 2030. The reason is that the desire to purchase electric vehicles is decreasing, and the transition to electric mobility is progressing more slowly than expected.
Although not explicitly mentioned, the faltering popularity of electric vehicles has likely extended the life of Cayenne’s internal combustion engine model, the most popular model within Porsche. Porsche was concerned that sales would drop significantly if buyers rejected the Cayenne EV.
The fourth-generation Cayenne EV: Porsche is optimistic
The fourth-generation Cayenne EV, currently in testing, is expected to be launched around 2026 and, at the latest, by 2030. It will share the 800V PPE platform architecture, featuring a 12-module 100 kWh battery pack that can power the front and rear drive motors for all-wheel drive. It is expected to borrow heavily from Macan Electric.
Porsche also explained that the development goal is to integrate high-voltage systems, the latest powertrain and body technologies, and naturally incorporate Porsche’s unique driving characteristics into EV vehicles. “The completely redeveloped fourth generation of the Cayenne will significantly contribute to our electrification plans,” said Blume.
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