Porsche is preparing to launch its second electric vehicle after the Taycan. The newcomer is not yet another model series like Porsche’s debut EV an electric Macan It is the successor to the current gasoline model, which has been on sale since the 2015 model year.
The electric Macan is scheduled to appear in early 2024, likely as a 2025 model for the US. Eager fans had to be patient as the launch was delayed due to software issues. Porsche originally promised the electric Macan would hit the market in 2023 Audi Q6 E-Tron has also been delayed.
The electric compact crossovers are the first vehicles to be developed on Volkswagen Group’s PPE platform, which is designed for high-volume luxury electric vehicles. Unlike Porsche’s J1 platform, which underlies the Taycan and the related Audi E-Tron GT, the PPE platform is flexible enough to produce low- and high-seat models in multiple size classes.
Porsche has confirmed that the electric Macan will come to market in entry-level and full-size versions. Both versions will use a 100 kWh battery and an all-wheel drive system with two motors and single-speed transmissions on both axles. The most powerful variant achieves a maximum output of 603 hp. No range estimate was provided, but a Porsche executive previously said he expected a much greater range than the Taycan, whose EPA rating is currently 246 miles.
The additional range is made possible by numerous efficiency improvements, a key one being the use of silicon carbide in the rear motor inverter. According to Porsche, the technology reduces switching losses in the inverter and enables higher switching frequencies, which in turn increase the range. The electric Macan also relies largely solely on its rear motor under normal driving conditions, but can immediately rely on the front motor for additional traction or when extra power is needed.
Porsche Macan EV
All electric Macans will have an 800-volt electrical system. This enables charging with charging powers of up to 270 kW. In addition, the Macan will enable so-called bank charging when only 400-volt charging stations are available. The process essentially splits the 800-volt battery into two 400-volt segments, allowing for parallel charging that speeds up the charging process.
The engineers have tuned the chassis, especially in high-end classes, to the expected Porsche driving experience. Certain trim levels have a fully variable rear axle differential and an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock, which Porsche calls “Performance Rear Axle”. The rear engine is mounted slightly behind the rear axle to allow for slight rear weight distribution, which is 48/52 front to rear. For the first time, a Macan will also have rear-wheel steering.
Porsche Macan EV
Of course, the suspension also makes a significant contribution to improving driving behavior. Double wishbones are used at the front and a multi-link structure at the rear. Active dampers will also be available on Macans with steel springs and standard on Macans with air springs. Similar to the technology that was first used at Porsche redesigned Panamera 2024The shocks feature a dual valve design that allows for rebound and compression adjustment. This means a wider performance range between comfort and driving control. The chassis is completed by offset wheels with a diameter of up to 22 inches.
The electric Macan will also have some interesting technologies in the interior. This includes a digital dashboard with the typical screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, as well as an available third screen for the front passenger that can be used for navigation and media controls. A light bar on the back of the dashboard can indicate charging status or serve as a greeting when entering the vehicle. It also links to some electronic driver assistance features to provide additional visual cues for warnings. Porsche will also offer a head-up display with augmented reality, which can be beneficial for navigation as it clearly shows when and where a maneuver needs to be performed.
Production of the electric Macan will take place at the Porsche factory in Leipzig.
While the software-related delays may have pushed back the debut, anticipation for the electric Macan only continues to grow. The efficiency measures of its electric drive coupled with Porsche’s traditionally superior driving characteristics should make the Macan a compelling vehicle.
