Currently reading: Porsche denies Tesla Model S rival is in development

All-electric version of Porsche's next Panamera dismissed as company officials focus on plug-in hybrid technology

Porsche research and development boss Wolfgang Hatz has dismissed reports that the firm is planning to launch a rival to the Tesla Model S, based on the new Porsche Panamera platform.

The new Panamera will launch in 2016. Several versions are expected to go on sale, including different bodystyles and a smaller version of the car which will take on the likes of top-end BMW 5-series models.

While the smaller version of the Panamera is likely to make production, an all-electric version currently isn't possible, according to Hatz.

“We are a sports car firm, and that brings with it certain expectations,” he said. “A Tesla is a fine car, but you cannot drive it enthusiastically without losing range or performance too quickly. Until the technology offers a solution to those problems, we will not be looking at launching such a car.”

Electric Porsche Boxster test cars have been developed by the firm since 2011, and are still being evaluated today as part of a joint programme with the German authorities.

However, Hatz reiterated that the technology is still too new to warrant consideration for production.“We are leading the way with plug-in technology, and our customers are happy with the benefits that it brings,” said Hatz. “For now, that is our focus.”

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

In theory, this all-electric luxury car looks a hit. So is it in practice?

Join the debate

Comments
5
Add a comment…
fadyady 22 December 2014

Its not easy

Tesla has built an unassailable lead in Model S class. Porsche (Volkswagen) will need a total and rather expensive rethink in their power train strategy to catch up with this formidable electric car maker. They'll struggle to rival BMW i8.
gigglebug 22 December 2014

fadyady wrote:Tesla has built

fadyady wrote:

Tesla has built an unassailable lead in Model S class. Porsche (Volkswagen) will need a total and rather expensive rethink in their power train strategy to catch up with this formidable electric car maker. They'll struggle to rival BMW i8.

You're right but Porsche have gained a lot of experience from the 918 project especially with regards to the calibration of such systems to make them usable and they'd be the ones I'd bet on to rival the Tesla if any. I can't help thinking that by the time this sort of electric system is perfected that hydrogen power will be sufficiently developed and be the better choice

Peter Cavellini 23 December 2014

Hmmmmmm!?

gigglebug@

how about hydrogen and ev hybrid cars?

gigglebug 23 December 2014

A decent sounding petrol

A decent sounding petrol motor mated with a hydrogen powered electric motor? The petrol motor would more than likely be turbo charged though meaning a less than than inspiring noise and probably some sort of engine noise played through the speakers. In super car they could probably still justify having a naturally aspirated V6/V8 but it isn't going to happen in a barge
Peter Cavellini 22 December 2014

Ho hum..........

Going to be interesting to see who of the top sports car brands will do this,my money is on Volkswagen.