Porsche has published a patent describing a flexible powertrain concept that combines battery-electric, hybrid and combustion-engine technologies within a single drivetrain.
The patent, filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) in December 2024 and published this month under application number 10 2024 135 567.0, outlines a system capable of operating in four different driving modes.
Four Operating Modes
According to the patent, the proposed powertrain would allow drivers to switch between four operating configurations depending on driving conditions and performance requirements.
In fully electric mode, the internal combustion engine is mechanically disconnected, allowing the vehicle to operate solely on battery power.
Hybrid mode combines the combustion engine and electric motor to drive the wheels, while range-extender mode uses the combustion engine exclusively to generate electricity for the battery and electric drivetrain.
The fourth configuration enables the vehicle to operate solely as a conventional combustion-engine vehicle, with the electric drivetrain remaining inactive.
V8-Based Range Extender
One of the technical features described in the patent is a range-extender system based on a V8 engine.
According to the patent drawings, the engine consists of two banks of four cylinders. In range-extender mode, one cylinder bank would be deactivated, allowing the engine to operate on four cylinders while generating electricity.
The patent also describes modifications to the active cylinders, including low-friction coatings and specialised piston designs intended to improve efficiency while inactive cylinders continue moving without producing power.
In combustion-engine mode, all eight cylinders would remain available to deliver full engine performance.
No Production Plans Confirmed
The published application describes the underlying invention rather than a production-ready vehicle, and Porsche has not indicated whether the technology will be commercialised.
As with other patent filings, publication does not guarantee the concept will reach series production.
Multi-Powertrain Strategy Continues
The patent reflects Porsche’s continued investment in multiple propulsion technologies.
In 2024, the company revised its previous objective of having more than 80% of new vehicle deliveries be fully electric by 2030, stating that the target would depend on market demand.
Porsche has also confirmed development of a new SUV model line, internally known as M1, which is scheduled to enter production in Leipzig from 2028 with combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid variants. The decision follows slower-than-expected growth in electric vehicle demand in several key markets, including the United States.