With its growing lineup of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, Porsche offers sustainable sports car performance for the eco-conscious driver. This guide provides key details on Porsche‘s electrified models already available along with EVs in the pipeline.
Brief History of Porsche EV Technology
Although new to fully electric vehicles, Porsche has over a decade of experience engineering sophisticated hybrid powertrains. The automaker‘s first production hybrid model was the 2010 Cayenne S Hybrid SUV. This marks the beginning of Porsche‘s incremental hybridization strategy while it developed dedicated EV architectures and technology.
Porsche Hybrid System Evolution
Unlike Toyota‘s relatively simple hybrid synergy drive, Porsche‘s complex systems recapture substantial energy when braking thanks to advanced regenerative systems. The latest hybrid models also allow decent electric-only ranges unlike Porsche‘s first hybrid attempts.
For example, the current Panamera 4 E-Hybrid sports sedan achieves up to 31 miles of real-world electric driving from its 17.9 kWh battery pack before the gas engine activates. Clever decoupling systems in the 8-speed automatic transmission further boost efficiency.
You‘ll find similar hybrid tech applied across Porsche‘s lineup, from the 718 Boxster/Cayman sports cars to the three-row Cayenne SUV. This strategy lets Porsche refine hybrid performance and production while assessing market readiness for serious electric luxury vehicles.
Investing in EV Support Infrastructure
Selling viable electrified vehicles requires more than just capable cars. That‘s why Porsche is investing over $1 billion in EV support infrastructure like charging networks and domestic battery factories. By securing supply chains and simplifying charging, Porsche removes adoption barriers.
For example, Taycan EV buyers get three years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions on the nationwide Electrify America DC fast charging network. Growing workplace and destination chargers should also help alleviate range anxiety.
Porsche‘s Current Electric Lineup
Although Porsche won‘t dispense with gas engines entirely for a while, its plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and battery-electric line is clearly growing. Let‘s examine what Porsche EV models you can drive home from the dealer today.
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid PHEV Sedan
- Base MSRP – $119,200
- Powertrain – 2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 + 134 hp Electric Motor
- Total System Power – 552 hp, 553 lb-ft Torque
- Electric Range – 16-31 miles
- 0-60 mph – 3.5 seconds
This luxury four-door deftly blends green cred with serious sports sedan speed. Combining a turbocharged V6 gas engine powering the rear wheels with an electric motor driving the front axle, the prestigious Panamera 4 E-Hybrid supplies the best of both worlds.
Step on the throttle and the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system juggles power distribution between gas and electric sources. Or drive easily across town gas-free thanks to an ample 17.9 kWh battery storing enough juice for 31 miles.
With cinched waistlines and a sleek fastback roofline evoking the iconic Porsche 911, the Panamera makes no compromises on style either. From sustainable luxury commutes to seriously quick track acceleration, this prestigious plug-in Hybrid makes Porsche performance practical.
Owners Say
"Between the electric motor power and twin-turbo V6, full throttle acceleration pushes you back in the beautifully crafted seats while hurtling forward recklessly fast."
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid PHEV SUV
- Base MSRP – $86,700
- Powertrain – 3.0L Turbo V6 + 134 hp Electric Motor
- Total System Power – 455 hp, 516 lb-ft Torque
- Electric Range – Up to 17 miles
- 0-60 mph – 4.7 seconds
Similar to the Panamera PHEV, The Cayenne E-Hybrid midsize SUV supplements its 335 hp turbocharged V6 gas engine with a front-mounted 134 hp electric motor. Working in harmony through a clever 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, combined output totals a quoted 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds lets drivers fully exploit the Cayenne E-Hybrid‘s Porsche pedigree, while an EPA-rated 17 mile electric range provides true daily usability.
Reviewers Say
"We managed a real-world 15 miles of EV driving before the Cayenne E-Hybrid‘s gas engine fired up nearly imperceptibly. Acceleration in hybrid mode remains seriously quick."
Porsche Taycan EV
The ground-breaking Taycan demonstrates that electric vehicles can deliver extreme Porsche performance. While plug-in hybrid E-Hybrid models continue selling well, the Taycan represents Porsche‘s EV headliner today and the backbone of its ambitious electrification roadmap.
- Base MSRP – $86,700
- Powertrain – Single or Dual Electric Motors
- Power Output – Up to 750 hp
- Range – 199 to 227 miles
- 0-60 mph – As low as 2.6 seconds
Currently offered in ten variants priced from $86,700 up to $185,000 for the range-topping 750 hp Taycan Turbo S flagship, Porsche‘s first dedicated EV demonstrates astonishing straight-line acceleration. Depending on the model, up to two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors thrust the Taycan to 60 mph in as little as 2.6 seconds.
Despite the low, sleek profile, interior space meets the expectations of a midsize luxury sedan. Four adults fit comfortably, treated to the latest touchscreens and infotainment befitting a cutting-edge conveyance.
The 93 kWh Performance Battery fitted to most Taycans returns an EPA range between 199 and 227 miles. Factoring in charging times, the figure drops Porsche‘s EV behind Tesla offerings. However, ingenious 800-volt electrical architecture means DC fast charging can add 62 miles of range in just 5 minutes.
Owners Say
"I don‘t care that my Taycan Turbo won‘t match a Tesla‘s range. Because nothing with 400+ miles range will ever handle or charge as quickly as my EV built by Porsche‘s precision engineers."
Exciting Upcoming Porsche EVs
Spurred by strong Taycan demand, Porsche is investing heavily into electrifying most of its lineup by the latter half of this decade. By 2030, executives predict over 80% of Porsche‘s global sales will be either fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Fortunately for traditionalists, Porsche will still sell gas-powered versions of iconic performance models as EVs gradually dominate showrooms.
2024 Porsche Macan EV
One of Porsche‘s best-selling models, the compact Macan SUV is slated to gain a fully electric variant in 2024. Sharing a next-generation platform with Audi electric vehicles, the Macan EV promises exhilarating performance with handling to match.
With low center gravity battery integration, AWD electric motivation should make the electric Macan wonderfully agile. Expect roomier interior dimensions as clever packaging efficiencies inherent to dedicated EVs free up passenger space. Of course cutting edge tech like autonomous driving aids will feature too.
Porsche cites significant demand for an electric Macan, particularly overseas. China for example accounted for 88,968 Macan sales last year – over double US deliveries. Positioning the model globally with green cred should help maintain strong Macan sales momentum.
2025 Porsche 718 EV
Previewed by Porsche‘s 2019 all-electric 718 concept boasting hearty 600 hp, open-top and coupe versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars are expected to launch in 2025 with EV power.
Maintaining perfect weight distribution was impossible once heavy batteries were installed instead of a mid-mounted flat six in early prototypes. However Porsche claims to have innovated solutions allowing an EV with the 718‘s quintessential handling.
Since the 718 legend centers on agility and driving precision at the limit, expect the 718 EV to initially launch in a hardcore GT4 track variant before more road-oriented versions follow. As with other icons like the 911, plug-in hybrid 718 models will likely supplement the EV for some time.
Porsche Says
"We have found solutions to combine EV parameters with Porsche DNA typical for the 718. A pure, emotional and exciting sports car is developing – with unusable torque and a large number of kilometers."
Future 911 Hybrid & EV Models
Don‘t expect internal combustion engines powering Porsche‘s timeless 911 sports car to vanish overnight. Yet increasing emissions regulations ensure electrification is coming to even the brand‘s crown jewels.
Before going fully electric, the next-generation (992 chassis) 911 will offer a plug-in hybrid variant likely for the 2026 model year. According to rumors, an all-electric 911 will follow for 2028 built on a new vehicle architecture.
Since the 911 remains Porsche‘s halo performance benchmark yet volume seller, executives seem committed to preserving its manual transmission and renowned handling balance. Any electrified versions must enhance not alter the rear-engine sports car‘s essential character that Porsche has honed for almost 60 years.
How Does Porsche‘s EV Strategy Measure Up?
While upstarts like Tesla and Rivian go all-in on full electrification, established automakers must integrate EV models without alienating loyal buyers. Balancing often contradictory demands makes managing the transition exceptionally tricky.
By developing plug-in hybrids as a bridge while funding EV-only architectures for models like Taycan, Porsche is threading the needle. This hedging strategy reduces risk, preserving Porsche‘s sporty identity while meeting looming fleet emissions targets.
Critically, executives indicate no plans to prematurely cancel cherished models like the 911 sports car or 718 mid-engine coupes/roadsters. Porsche will support both gas and electric models rather than forcing die-hard customers to switch prematurely.
Whether stubborn Porsche traditionalists will eventually accept buying an electric 911 remains uncertain. But by delaying that day of reckoning, Porsche EVs have time to conclusively prove electrification enhances not ruins the marque‘s driving character.</
