Porsche promised us a four-seater electric supercar by the end of the decade back in 2015 and said its battery would charge faster than that of a Tesla. At that time, its codename was Mission E.
This Wednesday the German automaker ended the wait and presented the Porsche Taycan, the brand’s first 100% electric model in almost 90 years of life. The car will reach the market in two variants, Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S – to which others will eventually be added – always in four doors, four seats and with an elegant and very attractive design.
The Porsche Taycan is the electric one that a sports lover wants to have in his garage:
With electric motors on the front and rear axles for all-wheel-drive, the Turbo generates up to a maximum of 680 hp of power (500 kW) thanks to its over-boost function, and the Turbo S extends its power up to 761 hp (560 kW). The first version is able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, while the second achieves it in 2.8 seconds. This makes it one of Porsche’ most powerful production models.
Power comes from a 93.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that doubles as a structural chassis component and keeps the center of gravity low. The Turbo has a range of up to 450 km (280 mi), and the Turbo S range has up to 412 km (256 mi) – according to WLTP in each case.
Both all-wheel-drive models can reach the top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph) and are consistent over an extended period. And the overall weight of the car is around 2,295 kg (5,060 lb).
The first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts:
What’s more interesting is that the Porsche Taycans run on an 800-volt system instead of the usual 400 volts for electric cars. Faster, lighter and more efficient. By comparison, the Tesla Model S runs at 375 volts.
Currently, 400 V charging systems are capable of charging up to 150 kW, while tests are being carried out with 200 or 250 kW. These figures are now being far exceeded by 800 V systems, which can charge at a power of 270 kW today.
In the future, Porsche expects these 800 V charging systems to reach 500 kW of charging power, unleashing a potential for which the Taycan wants to be prepared in advance. Porsche has already assured that there will be medium-term improvements in this regard.
The system is capable of accumulating 5% to 80% of the battery in 22.5 minutes in an ideal situation. Charge times are dependent on weather conditions and infrastructure, but Porsche has taken steps to address both issues.
A futuristic and completely technological interior:
Its design is inspired by that of the first Porsche 911, but it has been masterfully brought to the 21st century – or to the XXII, practically. The instrumentation is a completely digital curved screen of 16.8″, and a new generation infotainment system is located in the center console.
In addition to a central 10.9-inch screen, the co-pilot can enjoy another identical screen in front of its seat, of identical functionality, with the exception of driving functions.
Other functions of the main infotainment system are controlled by an 8.4 “screen with a haptic response. The only physical buttons of the Porsche Taycan are those of the steering wheel, even the flow of the aerators is regulated by touch, through a screen.
One last detail: the Porsche Taycan has two luggage compartments. The front trunk has 81 liters of volume and the rear one more than 366 liters, making a total of 447 liters.
Orders are already accepted, and prices for the Taycan Turbo start from US$150,900, and the Taycan Turbo S starts from $185,000. For more details, visit the company website.
