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Porsche’s Taycan concept: the future is electric

When the invitation arrived to attend a Porsche workshop on electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany, I knew we were in for quite the ride.
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When the invitation arrived to attend a Porsche workshop on electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany, I knew we were in for quite the ride. Porsche fans have been speculating about the brand’s foray into the EV market for some time, and I had a feeling that catching a glimpse of the new Porsche Taycan was top of the secret itinerary.

Visiting the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach is every car aficionado’s dream. We get all the specs and details of the Taycan EV, currently in production. Formerly known as Mission E, the Taycan, which loosely translates as “lively young horse” pays homage to the Porsche logo, and it is expected to be released in 2020, barring any delays in production. And the Porsche brass is confident they will be able to meet consumer demand.

For all fans of the brand, the Taycan will have everything you want when it comes to Porsche sports car DNA with a clean, puristic design. The Taycan will clock in at 600hp with an electric range projected at about 500k. Porsche promises it will be speedy at the charging station, taking less than 20 minutes with a high-speed charger. Although no exact price is available at this time, it will land somewhere between the Cayman and the Panamera.

We are guided to a production line of prototype Taycans. To be one of the first civilians to see Porsche’s vision of EVs being assembled at their bespoke production platform up close and in person was an unforgettable experience. The expertise and passion for this vehicle is palpable for everyone at the facility. The future is electric when it comes to cars and Porsche is well aware.

Marc Ouayoun, President & CEO Porsche Canada, along with his counterparts overseas, is pumped (excuse the pun)about the release of the Taycan. He has had the chance to drive the vehicle and says it is much like sitting in a 911, with the low centre of gravity of the battery making it very sporty, and says the instant torque with electric engine will not disappoint.

The Vancouver market makes up nearly 20% of national hybrid sales in Canada, and that number is projected to grow. Now all we need are more charging stations in the Lower Mainland so consumers can adapt. Ouayoun says that Porsche is working on that as well as well as making home-based charging more feasible, so stay tuned!