Porsche Macan production delayed due to software issues

Software issues may also complicate the development of future models

Macan prototype testing.

There were first reports at the beginning of the year, but now Porsche has confirmed that the launch of the all-electric Macan will be delayed until 2024with software issues preventing production launch.

In July This is reported by Automotive News Europe Macan and its sister model on the PPE platformAudi Q6 e-tron, may be delayed by about a year due to Volkswagen Group subsidiary CARIAD’s software lag in developing state-of-the-art new software. As part of its IPO last month, Porsche confirmed the delay. This is stated in the published prospectus of the share issue Deliveries of the Macan EV are scheduled for 2024.

Deliveries of the Macan EV are planned no earlier than 2024

Testing the Macan EV.

“The Group is currently developing with CARIAD and Audi the E3 1.2 platform for deployment in the all-electric Macan BEV, which the Group plans to start delivering in 2024,” the report said, “in part due to delays at CARIAD and the Group in developing the E3 platform 1.2, the Group has already had to postpone the start of production (SOP) of the Macan BEV”.

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In addition, Porsche warns in the prospectus that there is an even greater chance of delays because the E3 1.2 software platform is still under active development. According to the manufacturer, there is a “risk […] that the Group will not meet its existing cycle plan for new vehicles on schedule, in particular the BEV 718 and Cayenne models. “If these fears are confirmed in the coming months, the software problems could turn into a big mess not only for Porsche, but for the whole VW group.

Software problems can completely paralyze a Porsche

An early look at the interior of the 2024 Porsche Macan EV

Porsche further states in the prospectus that the successful development of the E3 1.2 platform is an important prerequisite for the production and market launch of the Macan EV. Indeed, this software platform will also be needed to further develop future models in the coming years.

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Delays and difficulties in the development of the E3 1.2 platform may be exacerbated by the fact that CARIAD is currently developing a separate version of its E3 2.0 platform in parallel. If more resources and development capacity are allocated to this than to the further development of the E3 1.2 platform, this “may force the Group to rely more on its own efforts and expertise or to seek support from other third-party developers”. Porsche is not tied to the E3 2.0 platform and may decide to chart its own path next year.

The Macan EV will be one of the first production models on the PPE platform

Testing the Q6 e-tron at the start of production.

The Premium Electric Platform (PPE) was jointly developed by Porsche and Audi, and the Macan EV was one of the first models on this platform. It uses the same 800-volt electrical system as the Taycan but is said to offer up to 270kW DC fast charging and extended range. Production of the electric SUV was initially planned to begin by the end of 2023. Audi, on the other hand, has yet to confirm the delay of its first PPE Q6 e-tron model.