Supplier Progress Below Expectations, Porsche's Electric 718, Cayenne, and Large SUV Projects Delayed by Years
Porsche's current generation of the 718 has ceased production in Europe, with the global gasoline versions of the Boxster and Cayman expected to exit the market next year. According to the original plan, the successor to the Porsche 718 will be an all-electric sports car. However, according to a report by motor1 today, Porsche may face a product gap between the cessation of fuel models and the launch of the electric version.
Citing informed sources, the report suggests that Porsche has encountered difficulties in developing the electric version of the 718. Engineers from Zuffenhausen are lagging behind schedule, which could lead to a delay in the release of the electric sports car. The main factor causing the problem is believed to be the mid-mounted battery, with Porsche continuously demanding modifications from supplier Valmet Automotive.
Although Valmet has made adjustments as requested, it has also resulted in additional costs, which Porsche is reportedly unwilling to pay or only willing to partially cover.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. The next-generation pure electric Cayenne may also be delayed until after 2026. Porsche has abandoned its goal of having 80% of its vehicles be electric by 2030 and has pledged to continue using V8 engines in the coming years.
The report also points out that, given the slowdown in electric vehicle sales, Porsche may introduce a next-generation model of the Panamera with an internal combustion engine. Global sales of the Taycan have dropped by 50% in the first three quarters of this year. However, the 911 series will continue to use gasoline engines, at least until the 2030s. According to previous reports, Porsche has stated on several occasions that the 911 will be its last internal combustion engine model.
In addition, Porsche's planned large electric SUV (codenamed 'K1') may be delayed by several years. On the other hand, Porsche is also considering launching a three-row SUV with an internal combustion engine based on the Cayenne platform, as the Volkswagen Group's Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) does not support traditional power systems. Last month, Porsche's Chief Financial Officer Lutz Meschke stated that the originally planned all-electric models might switch to hybrid or internal combustion engines.
