Tradition and Vision
A young Ferdinand Porsche was quick to begin working on a hybrid powertrain, combining the best of both electric and combustion engine worlds. More than 100 years after the company founder’s work, Porsche engineers are successfully continuing his hybrid idea in various ways.
Illustrations: Sophia Rackl, Kai Pippig
Following its introduction in 2010 under the concept of “Intelligent Performance,” hybrid technology has become one of the technological cornerstones of Porsche. From full hybrids, where the battery is charged while driving, and plug-in hybrids, which can also be charged using an external power source, to the T-Hybrid system with an electric exhaust turbocharger – Porsche engineers are constantly looking for innovative solutions. An overview of the history of hybrid looks at the different systems.
Lohner-Porsche Semper Vivus
In 1900, Ferdinand Porsche developed the world’s first functional full-hybrid vehicle. The idea of a gasoline-electric mixed drive came about due to the many issues caused by the batteries available at the time and the fact that there was no charging infrastructure of note in place. The Semper Vivus (Latin for “always alive”) did not need any external charging solutions, as the four-cylinder engine powered a generator that supplied electricity.
Cayenne S Hybrid
In 2010, the second generation of the Cayenne became the first parallel full hybrid to go into series production. The intelligent interaction in the drivetrain offered maximum efficiency. It could be driven fully electrically, powered by the combustion engine alone, or with the combustion and electric engines working together. Through boosting, recuperation, and coasting, the driving experience was both sporty and efficient. This was a milestone on the road to hybridization at Porsche. In 2014, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid became the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment.
911 GT3 R Hybrid
The race car unveiled in 2010 reimagined the hybrid principle: The energy recovered while braking was stored in a flywheel energy storage system. At the push of a button, the stored energy could be returned to the two electric motors, which together would serve up 120 kW (164 PS) of additional power. Depending on the race situation, Porsche could use the hybrid powertrain to optimize performance or consumption.
Panamera S Hybrid
In 2011, the hybrid powertrain concept from the Cayenne was introduced to the Panamera. Despite its power of 280 kW (380 PS), this was one of the most fuel-efficient Porsche cars ever built. In 2013, it was replaced by the Panamera S E-Hybrid – the first plug-in hybrid in the luxury class with a brand-new lithium-ion battery, power of 306 kW (416 PS), and an electric-only range of 36 kilometers.
918 Spyder
The concept of the super sports car was presented in 2010 and the car went into series production in 2013. Its plug-in hybrid concept combined a 4.6-liter V8 engine with two electric motors. With a system power of 652 kW (887 PS), a top track speed of 345 kmh, and an NEFZ standard consumption of 3.1 liters per 100 kilometers, the super car sets new standards.
919 Hybrid
Three Le Mans overall victories between 2015 and 2017 impressively demonstrated the performance and reliability of the hybrid concept. A 2.0-liter V4 turbo engine powered the rear axle, supported by two energy recovery systems that recuperated energy at the front axle while braking and from the exhaust tract and then stored this in a battery. System power: around 664 kW (902 PS). The subsequent record-breaking Evo version was exempted from regulatory restrictions. Software updates alone increased the power output to 853 kW (1,160 PS).
963
The twin-turbo V8 engine of the current LMDh prototype, which has been in use since 2023, is based on the engine of the 918 Spyder, while the motor generator unit (MGU) is responsible for energy recovery at the rear axle during braking and for power output. The 1.35 kWh of energy stored can be utilized at any time when accelerating.
911 Carrera GTS (992)
The concept design of the performance hybrid system is based on insights from motorsport. The centerpiece of the T-Hybrid drive is a brand-new 3.6-liter boxer engine (911 Carrera GTS: Fuel consumption* combined (WLTP) 11.0 – 10.4 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions* combined (WLTP) 248 – 236 g/km, CO₂ class G , CO₂ class weighted combined G ). The integrated electric motor spools up the turbocharger instantly when accelerating. This builds up boost pressure immediately. It also works as a generator and produces up to 11 kW (15 PS) of electrical power. This enables the 911 Carrera GTS Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmh in 3.0 seconds and reach a top track speed of 312 kmh.
Cayenne and Panamera
Two engines, one drive – this is the principle of the current e-hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera. A powerful electric motor enhances driving performance in electric mode, while also supporting the combustion engine when accelerating. Completely redesigned drivetrains enable increased all-electric range, higher system power, and faster charging times in the current models.
