The new Volkswagen boss has an alternative to the electric car

At the beginning of September, the Porsche boss will also become head of the Volkswagen group. It is not yet clear whether he will leave Porsche or remain at the helm of the group only temporarily, but one thing is certain, his strategic plans will be different from those of Herbert Diess.

The current Volkswagen CEO will step down in a month after four years in office. With that, the German manufacturer emerged from Dieselgate and was able to use its massive investment plan to launch a new 100% electric range, already consisting of three models (and soon a fourth with the ID Buzz).

A far from obvious challenge that has also led to several obstacles: delayed and delicate launches (ID3) and complicated relationships with unions and shareholders. Herbert Diess looked set to stay, but now the rest of the electrical breakthrough continues with Olivier Blume.

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Defender of synthetic gasoline

However, the policy could change. Like the journalists from tech crunch, Olivier Blume is not as open about electrics as Herbert Diess. One works at Porsche and waged a great ideological battle over the development of e-fuel, the other swore by the example of Tesla – without hybrid or hydrogen.

Olivier Blume has been instrumental in Porsche’s strategy to invest in renewable fuel, also known as “synthetic gasoline”. This new fuel based on hydrogen and carbon dioxide follows a significant growth in production. In early April, the manufacturer made new investments of $75 billion to support the goal of a full tariff in 2026.

Next year, a life-size test will be on display during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its use in motorsports, particularly a long-distance event where energy consumption is a priority, will certainly serve to spotlight the process. At the same time, the production rate will increase from 130,000 liters to several million.

Of course, Porsche is fully investing in the switch to electric. With the Taycan, Olivier Blume can be proud of having successfully developed and launched a 100% electric sedan with sales figures that exceed the legendary 911. The Cayenne and Macan will follow in the future. To raise capital, Porsche is also preparing to leave the Volkswagen family and go public independently. A busy schedule.