It seems the winds of the global electric vehicle market are no longer blowing in favor of the legendary German automaker from Stuttgart. In a controversial admission that reflects the rapidly declining demand for luxury electric vehicles, Porsche CEO Michael Leiters acknowledged that the company may have rushed its transition toward electrification, stating that the timing of the launch of Porsche’s first all-electric icon, the Porsche Taycan, was far from ideal.
A Surprising Admission from Porsche’s CEO
The remarks were made during a closed discussion organized by the German publication Auto Motor und Sport, which brought together executives from some of Germany’s most influential automotive groups, including Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche.
During the session, Leiters openly stated:
“We were too fast in embracing electric mobility, and the Taycan reached the market before people were able to fully appreciate its potential.”
Taycan Sales Are in Sharp Decline
Leiters’ comments are supported by increasingly concerning sales figures that reveal the financial challenges facing Porsche’s flagship EV.
Global Porsche Taycan Sales
- 2021: 41,296 units sold worldwide (record year)
- 2022: 34,801 units sold
- 2023: 40,629 units sold (temporary recovery)
- 2024: 20,836 units sold (nearly a 50% drop)
- 2025: 16,339 units sold (worst annual result to date)
The decline has continued into 2026, with first-quarter Taycan deliveries falling another 19%, reaching only 3,420 units.
Meanwhile, the higher-riding Macan EV appears to be performing better, recording 8,079 sales during the same period. However, it still trails the gasoline-powered Macan, which sold 10,130 units, despite being banned from sale in Europe due to cybersecurity regulations.
Porsche Reconsiders Its Electric Future
This market reality has forced Porsche to rethink its previous strategy.
Back in 2022, the company announced that fully electric vehicles would account for more than 80% of total sales by 2030. In reality, EVs represented only 22.2% of Porsche’s sales last year.
As a result, the company has abandoned that target and is redirecting significant investments toward extending the life of internal combustion and hybrid powertrains.
The New Recovery Plan
A New Gasoline-Powered Macan
After the current gasoline Macan retires this summer, Porsche plans to introduce an all-new successor in 2028, based on the Audi Q5 platform. The model will feature gasoline engines and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems.
Panamera and Cayenne Will Stay
The Porsche Panamera and Porsche Cayenne will continue to rely on combustion and hybrid powertrains well into the 2030s.
The Return of the 718 Twins
Sources indicate that the Boxster and Cayman, whose production ended last year, are expected to return with internal combustion engines alongside the electric versions currently under development.
The Porsche 911 Remains Untouchable
Leiters also settled speculation regarding the future of the legendary Porsche 911.
Although the model recently received an advanced hybrid powertrain, he confirmed that there are currently no plans for a fully electric 911.
Instead, Porsche intends to preserve its iconic flat-six boxer engine through cleaner combustion technologies and the use of environmentally friendly synthetic fuels, ensuring that the signature sound and character of the 911 live on for future generations.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with Porsche’s CEO that the Taycan arrived before the market was truly ready for it, or is the real issue that traditional Porsche enthusiasts simply cannot live without the sound and emotion of a gasoline engine?
