--- title: "Porsche Bails on Electric Future, Shifts Focus to Hybrids: TDS" date: "2025-09-22" modified: "2025-09-22" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/porsche-bails-on-electric-future-shifts-focus-to-hybrids-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # Porsche Bails on Electric Future, Shifts Focus to Hybrids: TDS ![Porsche Macan Electric in blue.]() *\Chris Tsui\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Light, tight, and right, *TDS* gathers the latest automotive news from around the globe and places it in one spot. Stories are summarized in a single (sometimes long) sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. Feedback regarding *TDS* is both welcome and encouraged via either the comments or email at tips@thedrive.com. Two cups of coffee into the day, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: The 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum will leave today and I've gotten used to the new two-spoke steering wheel and dual-screen dashboard layout, but the black tailgate is still an eyesore. 🪫 Late Friday [Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told investors]() the German automaker is pivoting, again, and will pull back its EV plans, keep top-tier 718 models gas powered, launch the new three-row SUV known as K1 with gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains instead of an electric powertrain, and continue developing gas-powered Panamera and Cayennes well into the 2030s all while costing the automaker $2.1 billion with the sudden change of plans. 💦 BMW gave the first [glimpse of the next-generation X5]() undergoing testing while covered in camouflage, though the automaker made sure to highlight that this variant has a hydrogen powertrain lurking beneath the metal skin, but the Neue Klasse design influence can't be missed. 🏎️ The Chinese-built Yangwang U9 Xtreme [became the fastest production car in the world]() after it hit 308.4 mph at the ATP Papenburg's high-speed oval in Germany, which means the EV dethroned the Bugatti Chiron. 🛻 Rivian quietly revealed the third [iteration of the R1T's electric power tonneau c]()[o]()[ver]() after multiple iterations with issues. ‼️ Hyundai [recalled 31,042 Ioniq 6 electric sedans]() due to an issue that might lead to the charging port door detaching. 🤖 Nissan demoed its [next-gen ProPilot hands-free driver-ass]()[i]()[st system](), and it's powered by AI. ‼️ Ford [recalled 101,944 Taurus sedans]() due to trim detaching while driving. 🏁 Weekend Race Results: - Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix - Max Verstappen took the win for Red Bull Racing. - NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 - Ryan Blaney took the checkered flag for Team Penske. - IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Brickyard - Jack Aitken and Pipo Derani won for Cadillac Racing. *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()