There has been a lot of buzz around Porsche and electric propulsion over the last year. The ambitious plans for the all-electric Mission E came to light, and the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid became the fastest accelerating Panamera model. Porsche appears very committed to an electric future. their newest plan will double the company’s original proposed investment in electric vehicles by 2022 from around 3 billion Euro to 6 billion Euro over the next four years. This plan is multi-faceted, and includes both production and improving the infrastructure for electric vehicles. Porsche’s current range includes several plug-in hybrid models, but as the Mission E enters production charging stations will become more and more vital for Porsche owners.
What is this investment being used for?
Six billion Euro is a lot to invest in electrification. So far Porsche has constructed a new paint shop, assembly area and conveyor bridge for Mission E production in Zuffenhausen. The existing engine plant is being expanded to accommodate electric drivetrains, and investment is planned for the Weissach Development Centre. So far the Mission E project has created around 1200 new jobs.
As of the most recent press release Porsche says that their plans have been bolstered significantly to include around three billion euros of investment in material assets and slightly more than three billion euros in development costs. Specifically, of the additional three billion Euro being added to the project, they project around 500 million Euro will be allocated to developing Mission E variants and derivatives. One billion Euro will be used to electrify or hybridize the existing model range. 700 million Euro will be invested in new technologies, charging infrastructure and smart mobility and several hundred million will also be allocated for the expansion of sites and facilities.
Collaborations With Other Brands
Creating a fast charging network is a monumental project. To create an effective fast charging network the Volkswagen Group, including Porsche and Audi, has partnered with the BMW Group, Daimler AG and Ford Motor Company under the Ionity project. Ionity is striving to create 400 powerful rapid-charging stations along major European roadways by 2020. Porsche’s dealer network is becoming part of the German component of the rapid-charging infrastructure.
In addition to providing charging points for existing plug-in hybrid models, this new infrastructure will benefit Mission E owners. With rapid-charging technology the Mission E will be able to charge its 800v powertrain in just 15 minutes to give 400km of range.
Following the success of Porsche’s hybrid models, we expect great things from the Mission E range. Since their launch 60% of Panamera and Cayenne buyers in Europe have opted for hybrids. Some countries, such as Sweden and Norway, have seen around 90% of buyers opt for hybrids.