Why Porsche thinks Europe could turn back the clock on the end of thermal engines

In 2035, manufacturers will only be able to sell electric cars within the European Union; Exit, therefore, to thermal and hybrid cars. But according to Porsche’s financial director, the EU would have every interest in slightly delaying this date.

Porsche is one of those manufacturers of “pleasure cars” who have not necessarily seen things favorably the ban on new thermal and hybrid cars in 2035 within the European Union. This notably marks the end of the legendary flat-six which has powered the 911 for around 60 years.

The future is electric, practically all of the brand’s products have been electrified. The Panamera is available as a hybrid in all its forms, the Cayenne too, while the new Porsche Macanjust presented, will only be available in electricas the Taycan.

For its truly “pleasure” oriented products, Porsche has also given up on all-thermal technology for some of them, starting with the Boxster and Cayman range which will be electric from 2025. In summary, it will probably only remain than the Porsche 911 in thermal, and perhaps with synthetic fuels to “circumvent”, as much as possible, European regulations.

Will Europe backpedal?

Despite this major electric offensive, Porsche thinks that there could still be some commotion from the European legislator. At least that’s what Lutz Meschke, Porsche’s financial director, says in the columns ofAutomotive News : “There is a lot of discussion at the moment around the end of the combustion engine. I think it might be delayed. »

According to him, customers are mainly put off by the lack of reliable charging networks, the constantly high prices, both for cars and charging, but also the recent removal of certain aid, notably in Germany. For his part, the UK has already postponed for five yearsor 2035, its project to ban new thermal models.

“Even if manufacturers of high-end and luxury electric vehicles can work without subsidies, removing them is a mistake”said Lutz Meschke. “We need to see how steep the acceleration in electric car sales will be in the coming years. If we find ourselves in a situation like the current one, with some reluctance to buy electric cars in Europe, then perhaps the subsidies will return. »

Some European countries are putting pressure

Remember that the ban on sales of new cars with thermal engines has not delighted all EU countries, starting with Germany which has a strong automobile industry around thermal engines.

Across the Rhine, we would have welcomed a sort of exception for synthetic fuels, a technology supported by Porsche and other sports car manufacturers like Ferrari.

In any case, it will be interesting to follow the results of the European elections, which will take place in June 2024. If populist movements gain importance within the institutions, this ban could be postponed, or even removed in the worst case.