It’s crazy, isn’t it? Just a couple of years ago, car manufacturers were scrambling to tell us the big news that all of their models would be battery or fuel-cell powered by the 2030s, and that they would slowly phase out gas and oil burners over time.

Here we are, in 2025, and it seems that plan has backfired catastrophically. Each of these automakers, with the exception of a stubborn few, like Mercedes-Benz, is now slowly backing away from these plans, committing to internal combustion for a longer time. In some cases, for as long as they’re legally allowed.

One of the biggest believers in the future of the ICE is Porsche, which has now invested a massive $830 million in the development of new internal combustion engines.

Porsche’s Belief in The ICE

The way that Porsche has faith in the future of the internal combustion engine is almost inspirational. Even a few years ago, when everyone was doubling down on their plans for a full EV future, Porsche was not ready to give up.

Starting out with a massive investment in eFuels, or synthetic fuels, made by capturing CO2 that’s already in the air. Then, Porsche filed a patent for a six-stroke internal combustion engine.

I won’t bore you with the hideously complicated science, but as Car Magazine explained, the six-stroke can burn most of the exhaust gasses that would be trapped inside the cylinders in a normal four-stroke engine.

Porsche’s most recent endeavor is this massive $830 million investment for developing a new generation of internal combustion engines, mostly for use in plug-in hybrids and maybe even range extender EVs.

While Porsche hasn’t exactly divulged what these ICE plans actually are, that massive investment is just for 2025, and Porsche also expects a slight reduction in profits for the year due to these new circumstances.

The company also hasn’t given an explanation why it’s dumping so much cash into ICE development, certainly more than a lot of other automakers. However, that one is pretty easy to figure out.

Porsche Buyers Are Difficult To Sway

This is an obvious one. A lot of Porsche buyers aren’t interested in electric cars, and would much rather have something with a flat six or a V8. Porsche recognizes this, which is why it will continue to offer V8 engines in the Panamera and the Cayenne.

911 buyers will never, and I mean never, want a fully electric 911, so it’s obvious that Porsche wants to keep the internal combustion engine for that iconic model.

While I doubt they can make the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated unit viable for the near future, the turbo flat six units will almost definitely make it.

There’s also the fact that the new Porsche Macan, in itself only offered with battery electric power, isn’t quite the hit that Porsche was expecting it to be.

That’s why there are some rumors that Porsche will reintroduce a gasoline-powered Macan for the majority of buyers. In 2026, Porsche also planned to introduce a fully electric Cayenne, but that might take a little longer to arrive.

What about the 718 twins? For years, Porsche has been telling us that its entry-level Boxster and Cayman will switch to electric power. You know, just as people finally started to accept the four-cylinder versions of those cars. Great move!

While nothing has been confirmed yet, according to Road and Track, the electric Porsche roadsters might be delayed as collateral during this whole internal combustion vs. electric debacle within Porsche.

No confirmation yet on whether there will be new versions powered by internal combustion, but my guess is that there absolutely will be.

Cars like the MG Cyberster prove that electric roadsters can be an exciting prospect, but the target demographic is completely different. If you ask me, I think it’ll be a while before we see an electric Porsche two-seater.

Batteries Do Not Always Equal Excitement

Finally, there’s the major issue that nobody will tell you about. I have driven a handful of Porsches, and I’ve also spent a considerable amount of time with the latest Taycan Turbo S. That’s the one with a modest 950 hp, in case you were wondering.

Yes, it’s damn fast. Yes, it handles incredibly well. That dual-chamber air suspension was also pure magic, as electric cars are often known to have harsh rides.

However, ultimately, it just isn’t all that exciting. It pulls like every electric car, it has the same level of noise and vibration as every other electric car.

I’m sorry, but if I’m driving a $250,000+ Porsche with over 900 hp, I expect to get out of that car looking like a cartoon character who’s gotten a bomb in the face and their hair goes straight up.

It’s very difficult to make an electric car as exciting as an ICE car, no matter how much you try.

Porsche believes in a future where the internal combustion engine and the ICE co-exist, and with this investment and the change in the market climate, it’s about time we started believing it, too.