Porsche is reportedly reassessing its commitment to an all-electric lineup, signalling potential hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) alternatives for models initially planned as EVs.
This shift follows concerns over fluctuating EV demand, with hints that the popular Macan SUV may see a return of its ICE variant.
ICE Macan back on the table
Porsche insiders have revealed that the automaker is exploring a "range of product scenarios", which includes the possibility of reintroducing an ICE-powered Macan.
This follows the successful debut of the Macan EV in 2024, which accounted for 66% of the model's annual sales with 18,278 units sold in Q4. Despite this strong start, market unpredictability has Porsche reconsidering its reliance on EVs alone.
Lutz Meschke, Porsche’s Chief Financial Officer, confirmed the shift to Autocar: “We are exploring the possibility of equipping some of the originally planned electric models with hybrid drives or internal combustion engines in the future.”
The ICE Macan, which debuted in 2013 and saw updates in 2019 and 2021, remains a critical success story for Porsche, with over 500,000 units sold globally. It was removed from the European market in 2024 due to cybersecurity regulations but continues to sell in New Zealand and other regions. A new version could allegedly see its return to Europe.
Declining EV sales drive rethink
Porsche's concerns stem from broader EV market dynamics, highlighted by the Taycan’s sales slump.
Once a flagship EV, the Taycan experienced a 49% drop in sales in 2024, moving just 20,836 units compared to the previous year. While Porsche attributed this decline to the Taycan facelift's rollout, the downturn has raised questions about long-term EV demand.
An unnamed Porsche insider commented, “The downturn in Taycan sales highlights new market dynamics. We cannot rely solely on traditional assumptions about consumer behaviour.”
Balancing ICE and EV development
Porsche is hedging its bets by continuing to develop ICE and hybrid models.
The fully electric Cayenne is slated for release in late 2025 or early 2026, while ICE and hybrid versions will remain available beyond 2030.
Meanwhile, the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman face delays due to supply chain challenges, though their sales increased by 15% in 2024.
As Porsche navigates these shifts, its approach mirrors that of Audi, which recently launched an updated ICE-powered Q5 alongside the electric Q6 e-tron. This strategy could help Porsche maintain market flexibility while addressing evolving consumer preferences.