Porsche Taycan Takes On 1,111-Kilometer Challenge: A Test of Range and Strategy

Porsche recently hosted an innovative event, the Taycan 1,111-km Challenge, inviting international journalists to test the electric vehicle's range and charging capabilities. The challenge involved driving a total of 1,111 kilometers in one day, visiting four Porsche Charging Lounges across Germany and Austria, while adhering to specific charging strategies and driving styles.

Key Takeaways

• Event Duration: The challenge took place over one day, starting at 6:30 AM.

• Distance Covered: Participants drove a total of 1,111 kilometers, visiting four charging stations.

• Charging Strategy: Journalists had to devise their own charging strategies, focusing on efficiency and speed.

• Performance Metrics: The fastest team completed the challenge in 11 hours, averaging over 100 km/h.

The Challenge Overview

The Taycan 1,111-km Challenge was designed to address common concerns regarding electric vehicles, particularly range and charging practicality. Participants were tasked with driving from Koblach, Austria, to Bingen, Würzburg, and Ingolstadt in Germany, before returning to the starting point.

The route was strategically chosen to resemble the outline of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making the challenge not only a test of endurance but also a fun and engaging experience for the journalists involved.

Driving Conditions and Strategies

The first leg of the journey to Bingen covered approximately 450 kilometers. Participants faced challenging conditions, including low temperatures, rain, and traffic congestion. To successfully reach their destination, they aimed for an average consumption of 21.5 kWh/100 km or less.

At the Bingen Charging Lounge, equipped with six 400 kW Alpitronic chargers, the teams experienced a peak charging output of 321 kW, setting a new record for the event. This charging station provided a comfortable lounge area for drivers to relax while their vehicles charged.

Charging Decisions and Outcomes

The next leg to Würzburg required participants to make strategic decisions about how much to charge. With only four chargers available at Würzburg and Ingolstadt, teams had to balance charging time with the need to reach their next destination efficiently.

Most teams arrived in Würzburg with a state of charge (SoC) as low as 2%, quickly recharging to nearly 70% in just 15 minutes. The final leg to Ingolstadt was another 200 kilometers, where teams again had to decide on their charging strategy, with most opting to charge to around 80% in 20 minutes.

Final Results and Insights

After covering a total of 20,000 kilometers over three days, the challenge concluded with impressive results. The fastest team completed the journey in 11 hours, achieving an average consumption of 25 kWh/100 km. The total cost of charging for the challenge was only 125 euros, significantly lower than the fuel costs for a comparable combustion engine vehicle.

Conclusion

The Taycan 1,111-km Challenge not only showcased the impressive range and charging capabilities of Porsche's electric vehicle but also highlighted the importance of strategic planning in long-distance electric driving. With plans to expand the Porsche Charging Lounge network, the future of electric mobility looks promising for long-distance travel.