Porsche CEO Rules Out All-Electric 911, Cites Hybrid Future

Porsche will not produce a fully electric version of its iconic 911 sports car, according to CEO Dr. Michael Leiters. Speaking at the company's annual general meeting on Tuesday, Leiters declared, "There will be no fully electric 911." Instead, the model is slated to continue with hybrid technology for the next decade as part of Porsche's long-term strategy.

This announcement follows the recent debut of the 911's first hybrid variant, the GTS. Leiters clarified that electrification will not extend beyond this hybrid integration, and the 911 will maintain a combustion engine throughout its remaining lifecycle. The decision comes amidst increasing scrutiny of the automotive industry's transition to electric vehicles, with Ferrari facing criticism for its first all-electric sports car, Luce. With sales of new hybrid cars set to be restricted in some markets from 2035, the 911 may have approximately nine years left in showrooms.

Porsche's Strategy 2035

At the annual general meeting, Leiters presented Porsche's three-pillared Strategy 2035, which aims for "sustainable profitability and enhanced strategic resilience." The 911's future is positioned within the "products and technology" pillar. "For the 911, the specially developed performance hybrid powertrain is a fundamental building block, a sort of elixir of life for the future," Leiters stated.

This strategy also involves a reduction in the model range, which Leiters described as having become "too complex." Porsche plans to streamline its offerings, focusing more sharply on core variants. As an example, the company has discontinued two body variants of the Taycan in the U.S. market in response to customer preferences. "In doing so, we are responding to customer preferences in this market," Leiters noted.

Continued Electrification Efforts

Despite the decision regarding the 911, Porsche remains committed to electrification across its broader lineup. The Taycan continues to be offered in multiple configurations, and the Macan SUV will transition to being exclusively electric next year, with the petrol variant being terminated. Porsche also introduced its new Cayenne Electric SUV this year, although a combustion engine version will remain available for the foreseeable future. Leiters expressed confidence that the Cayenne Electric can play a significant role in building Porsche's "BEV heritage."

The company's "company and operations" pillar of Strategy 2035 includes plans for "streamlining" and potential job cuts to reduce costs. Porsche is also exploring platform sharing for future models, similar to the architecture used for the Macan and Cayenne, to mitigate financial expenditures. Plans for all-electric Boxster and Cayman models, which were initially expected last year, are now anticipated to be unveiled in 2027 or later.