In the background of the intense competition in the Chinese new energy vehicle market and the increasing cost pressure of luxury car electrification transformation, Porsche is facing sales pressure in China. The German luxury car brand plans to gradually shut down approximately 200 self-built high-power DC charging stations covering major cities and transportation hubs across China starting from March 1, 2026, ending the reliance on its proprietary energy replenishment system.
According to reports from several Chinese media outlets, Porsche China has recently issued a notice to car owners titled “Notice on Stopping Porsche Exclusive Charging.” The notice stated that with the rapid maturation of the domestic charging market and the increasing diversity of user habits, Porsche reevaluated the daily support role of its self-built charging network. As a result, the decision was made to completely cease the operation of self-owned charging stations starting next March and gradually remove relevant sites from the charging map on the Porsche App and WeChat mini program.
Porsche emphasizes that this adjustment only applies to the “exclusive charging” scenario and does not affect other charging resources, including complimentary charging facilities within the dealership maintenance system, the “destination charging station” network, and third-party large-scale charging operators integrated into the Porsche charging map.
Porsche China also stated that it will shift its focus towards deepening cooperation with major third-party charging operators to ensure that the level of service to car owners is not affected. The company reaffirmed its unwavering long-term commitment to the Chinese market.
In the early stages, many new energy vehicle companies invested heavily in building their own charging systems. However, high construction costs and underutilization made it a financial burden. As the industry matures, more brands are turning to collaboration with third parties to construct charging facilities, sharing costs and improving coverage efficiency.
The contraction of the charging network comes at a time when Porsche’s performance in China is under pressure. Public data shows that the sales volume of Porsche in China fell by more than a quarter in the first three quarters of this year. Against the backdrop of a weak macroeconomic environment in China, downgrading of high-end consumption, and the rapid rise of domestic new energy brands, its competitiveness in the world’s largest automobile market is visibly strained.
Following a loss in the third quarter, the management has informed investors of plans to significantly reduce the scale of its dealership network in China from about 150 to 80 to enhance channel efficiency.
Additionally, Porsche has revised its performance guidance several times this year, and the launch of some new electric vehicle models has been delayed. As a result, its stock price has dropped by over 20% this year.
Bloomberg reported in November this year, citing Germany’s “Focus” magazine, that Porsche is internally evaluating the possibility of gradually scaling back its business in China, and even exiting the Chinese market.