Porsche has just accelerated its electrification strategy.
On Friday, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that the carmaker will build a charging network for customers alongside the automaker’s third electric car, and a hybrid 911. It also drives its sales goals.
Blume says Porsche will create its own charging network for Porsche owners and customers. The automaker plans to still invest in and support existing infrastructure developments, but acknowledges the need for charging stations.
While it is too early to discuss speed or number of stations, Blume has confirmed that the first station will open in early 2023 with construction after that.
Concept of Audi Charging Center in Nuremberg, Germany
CFO and board member Lutz Meschke said the company has identified toll collection locations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Europe will be the first phase of the automaker’s infrastructure strategy, but notes that the automaker “will need to think about solutions that are exclusive to China and the US.”
Stations can become hubs where owners can have a coffee, relax or get some work done, according to Meschke. This sounds familiar as it is similar to what Audi is creating.
Porsche also increased its sales target for electric vehicles. The automaker now aims to have 50% of its sales electrified by 2025, with 80% of sales specifically battery-electric models by 2030 (previously 80% in 2016). 2030 is electrification).
Porsche Taycan coast-to-coast record for the least charging time
Taycan deliveries more than doubled year-on-year with 41,296 units delivered in 2021 despite supply chain and other issues. Sales of the Taycan have surpassed the iconic 911 in 2021, which itself has set a new record with 38,464 units. Porsche notes that nearly 40% of all vehicles delivered in Europe in 2021 will be electrified.
Blume discussion Macan 2024 electric crossover SUV, which will be the automaker’s second electric vehicle. The CEO also announced that the automaker’s third electric vehicle will be a 718 sports car, due out in 2025. Mission R concept electric racing car, It made its debut at the Munich auto show in September, which could give a good indication of what’s to come with the upcoming electric 718.
According to Blume, a 911 hybrid is in development, but it won’t focus on efficiency. This model will not be a plug-in hybrid, instead the HEV will have a performance-oriented system similar to the one Porsche used in the 919 hybrid race car.
