Porsche became the latest automaker to announce ambitious environmental goals this week. Chairman Oliver Blume outlined a thorough plan for the company to be carbon-neutral by 2030. But its most iconic car will remain a fire-breathing, internal-combustion-powered beast for the foreseeable future.
Many automakers have announced plans to reduce the environmental impact of their operations this year. General Motors has set a goal of being carbon-neutral by 2040. Ford has promised the same by 2050. Volvo and Mini both recently announced plans to go all-electric. And Audi has, it now says, developed its last internal combustion engine.
But Porsche’s environmental plans appear unusually holistic. The company’s own factories are already powered entirely by renewable energy and bio-gas. Now it says it will ask suppliers to commit to carbon neutrality.
Blume says the company will work only with “suppliers who fill our sustainable goals. … We are very strict on this, and it’s very important to reduce [CO2 emissions across] the whole supply chain.”
Porsche is also evaluating cars’ environmental impact throughout their lifespan, Blume said, not just in the production process (much like BMW has done with its upcoming iX electric SUV).
Most of Porsche’s Offerings Will Be Electrified
Porsche expects electrified vehicles to make up 80 percent of its sales by 2030 – but that expectation notably doesn’t say pure electric cars. Some models may see hybrid versions, but Porsche does not expect to see every model it builds go fully electric.
“The 911 is our icon, and we will continue to build it with combustion engines; that is very clear,” Blume told reporters. “The concept of the 911 doesn’t allow a fully electric car, because we have the engine in the rear, and to put the weight of the battery in the rear, you wouldn’t be able to drive the car.”
While the 911 may never be gas-free, Blume said, “We will continue to think on electrification, like very sporty hybridization, for the 911.”
How do you get to carbon neutrality while selling some gasoline-powered cars? Part of the answer will be carbon offsets. But Blume hopes to minimize their role. “Our direction is, first of all, to avoid CO2, then to reduce, and only the smallest part will involve compensation,” he said.
