The brand’s lineup won’t go full electric anytime soon, but don’t be alarmed.
Porsche joins the ranks of carmakers who are abandoning diesel-powered vehicles. What is the culprit? The dramatic increase in demand for electrified cars, particularly in Europe.
Porsche has made an official statement that it is investing six billion euros (roughly seven billion dollars) in e-mobility. It expects to have effect by 2022. The carmaker stated that this will provide the foundation for future sustainable growth.
Concrete numbers back up the increased investment in electrified cars. Porsche stated that hybrid models account for 63 percent of Panameras sales in Europe. The demand for Porsches powered by diesel is declining, according to Porsche. In 2017, the company cited a global share of only 12 percent.
These numbers suggest that the marque should abandon diesel and move forward. Furthermore, Porsche shouldn’t make cars that aren’t being bought as much, right? The Taycan is also its first all-electric sports vehicle and looks set to be a major player in the world of performance cars.
“Porsche is not demonizing diesel. It is an important propulsion technology and will continue to be so. As a manufacturer of sports cars, diesel has always been a secondary function. We have decided that diesel should be eliminated from our future. We will, of course, continue to provide the same professionalism and support for our diesel customers,” states Oliver Blume, CEO Porsche AG.
Although Porsche has now removed diesel from its portfolio, electrified cars are still a priority for those who don’t want to be compelled by them. Porsche will optimize its internal combustion engines powered by gasoline. The marque stated that “emotional, powerful sports cars” will still play an important part in its product portfolio.
Porsche isn’t the only automaker to discontinue diesel in its future models, for the record. It could be the diesel-gate scandal the Volkswagen Group is currently addressing, or the demand from customers who now choose gasoline-powered vehicles or electrified cars. Diesel fuel prices are not likely to rise in the future.