Porsche's CEO Makes A BOLD Prediction: EVs Are About To Become COMMONPLACE — Is He RIGHT or WRONG?

If there's one thing we've learned over the past couple of years, it's that electric vehicles (EVs) can be made cool. Whether you want to hear it or not, Tesla is responsible for that.

Fast forward to present day. Now, other automakers are joining the fray.

While their efforts have been rather lackluster, if we're honest, enthusiasts are strongly supporting normal auto manufacturer's moves. Support is one thing, buying is another.

While it seems that every brand aside from Tesla is having difficulty moving EVs, Porsche's CEO wrote an op-ed piece for USAToday stating that the U.S. market is essentially about to be overrun.

That's because once a greater volume of consumers experience the silence and power capable from an EV, it will be a game changer. I don't disagree. The last time I was driving an EV I couldn't help but think how it was a brilliant motoring experience just in a different way.

BUT, the executive makes it clear: Volume and EVs becoming common place will happen soon.

So, is he RIGHT or WRONG?

Look at the cars around you in traffic today and one commonality stands out. Virtually all have tailpipes, meaning internal combustion engines. That is about to change dramatically.

Tesla has made inroads, but now I believe we are approaching a turning point. In coming years we will see more widespread adoption as volume producers including General Motors, Nissan, and VW join with premium brands like Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche to launch numerous battery-only models. As more Americans experience the instant power and sporty handling that electric cars provide, more will want this new generation of electric vehicles...

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valhallakey - 6/21/2019 1:52:19 AM

0 Boost

I think he is right and believe they will be commonplace soon as over the next 2-4 years. With more and more on the road I think the acceptance rate will go up. A test drive, especially of one of the Teslas will likely sway you that this is the future of the automobile. The Tesla really is a complete platform from stem to stern, drive train to instrumentation to over the air updates to autopilot etc... impressive design and engineering throughout.

SanJoseDriver - 6/21/2019 2:37:58 AM

-2 Boost

Absolutely. I think the biggest gap right now is education since most consumers don't realize how much you can save with an EV or what performance benefits are. There are a lot of compelling EVs today, I don't there there is a need for a "wait until EVs can do X" statement anymore, they are good enough to cross the chasm right now if the supply is there.

PUGPROUD - 6/21/2019 5:46:18 AM

+5 Boost

At some point sure. He is becoming more vocal about it to try to accelerate market growth, its his job. What keeps him up at night is the huge investment he has made in EV's with returns far off in the distance unless market acceptance speeds up, the significant EV inventory build up flowing thru production and the uncertainty of how consumer EV buying decisions will be made and when.

TomM - 6/21/2019 5:57:48 AM

+3 Boost

I would suggest the the word Commonplace - ie - often seen - would be satisfied with less than 5% of the total market - and that certainly is possible - especially in very URBAN areas. THAT is not a bold prediction

A bold prediction would be when they become Dominant (Over 50%) of the market - and That is not going to happen in MY remaining lifetime.

Foncool - 6/21/2019 6:35:54 AM

+8 Boost

What does anyone expect him to say? The entire existence of the VW Group is being gambled right now on the acceptance of EVs as penance for DieselGate to achieve the Social Engineering agenda of the followers of ManBearPig!

Alain4586 - 6/21/2019 7:04:02 AM

+3 Boost

Where are we with this idea development ??
In my opinion, petrol engine cars should be only for high emotion vehicles ( Ferrari / Porsche / Lamborghini / Maserati / Bentley / Aston Martin / McLaren / AMG / M power from BMW / RS for Audi / GTR for Nissan / Corvette / Camaro / Mustang / small niche high performance cars / Alfa Romeo Quaddrofolio / SVR for JLR / etc.......
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Former Porsche CEO Has A Wild Idea To Save Internal Combustion Engines
DEC 16, 2018 BY JAY TRAUGOTT TECHNOLOGY

Although electric vehicles and related technologies have been taking center stage lately, most automakers have gone record stating they’re not about to give up on the internal combustion engine just yet. Mazda is a perfect example thanks to its new Skyactiv-X ICE available in the recently revealed 2019 Mazda3.
But former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking, now a shareholder of a startup called Micro Wave Ignition (MWI), is convinced his company can offer the solution that will save ICEs, including Porsche’s coveted flat-six. Basically, the company’s pioneering technology utilizes pulsed microwaves for ignition instead of igniting that fuel using typical spark plugs...............
ect......

atc98092 - 6/21/2019 8:42:03 AM

0 Boost

I agree with him about the EV driving experience. Even though my Niro is only a PHEV, so it doesn't have the same level of power while in EV mode, it's really enjoyable driving with no engine noise, vibration, and the smooth pull of the electric motor.

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy the sound of a rumbling V-8 muscle car, and always will. But EVs will be the future. What that timeframe is, I can't say. But more affordable models are starting to arrive, first with Hyundai and Kia, and with the VW products coming next year.

ggrcrash - 6/21/2019 9:30:16 AM

0 Boost

It will probably take at least a generation to make this EV stuff commonplace. At least so long as they still sell (ICE)engines "Internal Combustion engines". If you think about it, how long as ATM's, been around, and online banking and debit cards? Yet there is still some people who prefer tellers and actual checks. My 70 year old Mom for one...She said she never trusts that online shopping and banking stuff because of possible identity fraud, and that debit cards are another name for credit cards because they have the visa or master card logo on them...lol. There is just certain segments of the population who will never trust new technology...

malba2367 - 6/21/2019 9:34:07 AM

-1 Boost

He is absolutely right...10% of the Market would be enough to be commonplace. EVs will make up 10% of the market sometime in the 2020s. It will take a long time for them to outsell ICE vehicles but that is not what the guy said.

malba2367 - 6/21/2019 9:36:08 AM

-2 Boost

And as a side note he referred to the Tesla Model 3 as a “premium vehicle”...If you are someone who still believes otherwise that statement from the CEO of Porsche should silence you.

Foncool - 6/23/2019 7:14:37 AM

+1 Boost

Remember the CEO of Porsche also thinks the Panamera is a good looking car!

pdperry23 - 6/21/2019 11:04:53 AM

-3 Boost

Dinosaur cars are dying!

Truthy - 6/21/2019 12:43:07 PM

0 Boost

The article falsely states that everyone else but Tesla is having difficulty moving EVs. The Audi veyron is outselling the Model S and X combined in Europe and NA. Jaguar space is selling well

dumpsty - 6/22/2019 1:29:40 PM

+1 Boost

EV's have become commonplace in a lot of areas where they're more popular. Nobody's gawking at them in traffic anymore. But this doesn't mean the death of ICE vehicles is coming anytime soon. I like that we're seeing more EV's & we'll see more just like how hybrids had become more popular. seeing a few Bolts, Prius, Tesla3, Leafs is normal - not a big deal.