A trio of drive technologies

Porsche is systematically focusing on sustainable mobility

As a pioneer in sustainable mobility, Porsche has taken important steps over the past few years, not least with the successful launch of its electric sports car, the Taycan, and the commencement of production of the new model in the CO2-neutral factory in Zuffenhausen. Porsche is remaining true to its pioneering role with product offensives such as the extended and fundamentally enhanced Panamera hybrid family, rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure and its participation in development of e-fuels.

“Half of our new cars will already have an all-electric or partially electric drive in 2025,” says Dr. Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Development at Porsche AG. “The Porsche strategy is based on a trio of drive systems. In addition to all-electric vehicles such as the Taycan, this also still includes highly emotive combustion-engine cars as well as plug-in hybrids with zero local emissions. We are convinced that these three drive technologies will hold their own in the market over a medium term period.”

The potential of efficient combustion engines has not been fully exploited yet. It is still possible to increase the efficiency of petrol engines. As an accompanying measure alongside the all-electric future, Porsche is also focusing on the use of e-fuels. These synthetic fuels allow for almost CO2-neutral operation of petrol engines, as the only CO2 that is emitted is that which was previously taken from the air in the production of the e-fuel. Steiner: “We are very proud of the fact that 70 per cent of all Porsche cars ever built are still on the road. The majority of these could be driven with reduced CO2 emissions through the use of e-fuels. In motor sport also, fully synthetic fuels would make a sustainable difference.”

Porsche sees sustainability holistically and is active in ecology as well as social and economic spheres. The goal is to ensure value-adding growth on this basis: Porsche wants to remain profitable while expanding its social responsibility and reducing negative effects on the environment. Sustainability is a central pillar of the company’s strategy: the company is taking measures along the entire value-added chain so that operations are more sustainable on all levels of the company’s activities.

Detailed information on sustainability management and the company’s strategy and on aspects of stakeholder dialogue and KPIs can be found in the current Porsche AG Annual and Sustainability Report and in the Porsche Newsroom.

Download

Article

DOCX


Michael Steiner — Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG

“By 2025, half of our new cars will have a fully or partially electric drive. The Porsche strategy is based on a trio of drive systems. In addition to all-electric vehicles such as the Taycan, this also still includes highly emotive combustion-engine cars as well as plug-in hybrids with zero local emissions. We are convinced that these three drive technologies will hold their own on the market in the medium term.”

Plug-in hybrids: up to 30 per cent more range

With the Panamera, Porsche is offering three different plug-in hybrid models in a product line for the first time: with a system power of 412 kW (560 PS), the 4S E-Hybrid is positioned as a completely new derivative between the 4 E-Hybrid (340 kW/462 PS) and the Turbo S E-Hybrid (515 kW/700 PS).

The all-electric range of the Panamera hybrid models has been increased by up to 30 per cent thanks to a new 17.9 kWh high-voltage battery (previously 14.1 kWh) and optimised driving modes.

With the optimised driving modes, there is now an even greater focus on highly-efficient charging while driving. The battery now charges faster. In addition, intelligent energy recuperation allows even more efficient use of the electric drive.

E-fuels: petrol from air, water and electricity

Porsche is conducting intensive research into e-fuels: With these synthetic fuels, pure combustion engines and plug-in hybrids can drive almost CO2-neutrally. E-fuels are synthetic fluid fuels made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide taken from the air. Power produced from renewable sources is used for this purpose. The conventional infrastructure can be used for the storage and distribution of these fuels. E-fuels can contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and this is an important element in the sustainability strategy pursued by Porsche.

Porsche is also supporting development of these fuels as part of the research initiative “reFuels – Rethinking Fuels”. In this, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is investigating the efficient production and use of renewable fuels together with the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport, three other state ministries, and numerous partners from the automotive, automotive supply and mineral oil industries.

Porsche Destination Charging: further expansion of the charging infrastructure

Porsche is setting a fast pace: the company will invest further in its Porsche Destination Charging network. This part of the charging network will include charging points with three-phase 400-volt alternating current (AC) and 11 kW power output.

Porsche Destination Charging is one component in the integrated Porsche Charging Service concept. It combines all the important requirements for a charging service in an app: the search for and navigation to charging stations, authentication once there, payment and support.

Connectivity and infotainment
E-fuels