The Porshe Taycan has been a resounding success for the brand with roughly 14% of all Porsche sales worldwide in 2021. Speaking at a media roundtable, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume proudly announced that “the future of Porsche is electric”. So, what does this all mean for the Stuttgart automaker? Let’s take a closer look.
The Numbers Favor Electric SUVs From Porsche
Porsche had a record-setting 2021, with the company shipping 301,915 cars in a single year, more than they have ever managed before. Unsurprisingly, the Macan and Cayenne topped the sales numbers with 88,362 and 83,014 respectively. What is surprising, is that almost 40% of Porsches sold in 2021 were either full-electric or a plug-in hybrid. This may not sound that impressive until you realize Porsche only has one full electric in its lineup, the Taycan, and only the Panamera and Cayenne currently come in e-hybrid versions.
The demand for Porsches is higher now than ever, and if the numbers are to be believed, Porsche’s electric SUVs will be spearheading their growth for at least the next decade, with the new electric Macan due to hit showrooms in 2023.
Get Used To Seeing Electric Porsches
Oliver Blume expects at least 50% of all new Porsches sold will be electric or hybrid by 2025, with that number potentially growing to 80% come 2030, as more models head down the electric path. Last year, the Mission R was shown to the public, with journalists and enthusiasts alike speculating that it may be the development platform for the next generation Cayman and Boxster, much like the Mission E was a development platform for the Taycan.
This was all but confirmed, when Blume stated that the next generation of the 718 Boxster and Cayman will be released in an all-electric guise by the end of 2025 and that a hybrid 911 is in the works to complete Porsche’s electric sports car program, however, no timeframe was given.
What Does This Mean For The 911 Enthusiast?
The 911 hasn’t been a top seller for Porsche since the release of the Cayenne in the mid-2000s. Despite this, Porsche has continued to invest in and develop the 911 platform, as it is still seen as the quintessential Porsche for motorsport enthusiasts.
Speaking at the launch of the 992 GT3 last year, both the former, Fitz Enzinger, and current Head of Motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach confirmed that the GT3 will always be naturally aspirated, have the option of a manual transmission, and will always be powered by Porsches famous flat-6 engine. So we don’t expect internal combustion 911s and GT cars to completely cease existing, however, European Porsche fans will have to settle with their GT3s being track-only specials as Euro 7 emissions rules take effect in 2025.
The Porsche community, like many sports’ car communities, has been divided on the topic of the “electric takeover”, with more and more marques announcing future plans for electric vehicles? Have you already embraced the future with a new Taycan, or will you be rocking your classic air-cooled 911 forever? We want to hear your opinions!