Porsche Maintains Steadfast Commitment to Electric Vehicles Despite Industry Slowdown

You’ve gotta hand it to Porsche lately. With all the talk of an electric vehicle (EV) slowdown this year, one might think it would be easy for a brand so defined by its internal combustion engines to hold off on an EV transition. However, according to one Porsche board member, that’s not actually the case.

In an interview with Germany’s Automobilwoche cited by Reuters, Porsche executive board member Albrecht Reimold reaffirmed the company’s plans to end production of the gas-powered Macan SUV for non-European markets by 2026. "The platform has reached the end of its cycle," said Reimold. Additionally, Reimold revealed that production of combustion engine versions of the Boxster and Cayman sports cars will be halted next year, with the electric successors set to launch soon thereafter.

Porsche’s determination to press ahead with EVs is nothing short of commendable, especially given the internal combustion-centric history of the brand. The Macan, a significant revenue generator for Porsche, transitioning to an all-electric model signifies a bold business decision. Similarly, converting the fan-favorite 718 Boxster and Cayman to electric models is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to an electric future.

Moreover, Porsche’s recent unveiling of the vastly improved 2025 Taycan—a follow-up to the already impressive original Taycan—signals the brand’s seriousness about EVs. However, while the transition for models like the 911 remains more gradual, with hybrid variants and efforts in synthetic fuels (e-fuels), Porsche’s overall direction is clear: embrace electrification while navigating the complexities of maintaining its iconic internal combustion engine line-up.

Industry Headlines: Geely Grapples with New Anti-China Tariffs

The Geely Group, one of China’s most internationally entrenched automakers, is feeling the sting from new anti-China tariffs imposed by the U.S. and the European Union. Both economic powerhouses are wary of the potential market disruptions posed by affordable Chinese EVs, leading to protective measures.

Geely, which owns brands like Volvo and Lotus as well as newer ventures like Polestar and Zeekr, has been impacted significantly. The Volvo EX30’s U.S. launch has been delayed by a year, pending its relocation to a Belgian production site. This is indicative of the broader logistical challenges Geely faces across its extensive global operations.

Bloomberg’s coverage highlighted how Geely’s multifaceted international presence offers some flexibility in response to these tariffs, yet it doesn’t make the situation less challenging. The company’s need to reimagine its manufacturing and export strategies reflects the broader tension in global trade dynamics.

Given the impact on brands such as Polestar, Smart, and Lotus, Geely’s broader global presence means it must quickly adapt its strategy to maintain its market positions outside China. This includes considering potential production shifts to more politically neutral regions like South Korea, balancing costs and maintaining competitive pricing.

Silicon-Powered Batteries: A Possible Game-Changer

High-silicon electrodes are poised to revolutionize battery technology, promising better range and faster charging times. Companies like Sila Nanotechnologies and Group14 Technologies are on the brink of commencing high-volume commercial shipments of their silicon electrodes.

California-based Sila aims to supply commercial-grade silicon anodes to customers, including Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic, from its gigafactory in Moses Lake, Washington. Meanwhile, Group14 plans to ship silicon anodes to three undisclosed customers by year-end from a facility in collaboration with SK On in South Korea.

While automakers primarily focus on cost-effective battery solutions—like LFP—the superior performance of silicon-anode batteries is expected to command a premium. Thus, high-end manufacturers like Mercedes are the first to integrate them, starting with their ultraluxury G-Class SUVs. As charging speed and range anxiety remain critical issues for EV adoption, these advanced batteries could justify higher consumer prices due to their enhanced capabilities.

Mid-Year Electric Transition Scorecard: Who’s Leading?

As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s time to evaluate which automakers are excelling in their electric transition strategies and who might be lagging. Porsche’s steadfast commitment to EVs, despite market fluctuations, stands out as a notable case of strategic resilience.

Stay tuned as industry experts continue to analyze automaker performances in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric mobility.

Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com