Porsche Developing Electric Vehicles; 3 Electric Boxsters Slated for Testing
26 July 2010
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| A Porsche Boxster. Click to enlarge. |
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart is researching and developing all-electric vehicles, with three electric Boxsters to be in testing as part of the Stuttgart Model Region for Electromobility project. The work is in conjunction with the ongoing development of hybrid concepts already in regular production.
Through the test process, Porsche intends for the three electric Boxsters to provide an initial insight into new electric drive components and battery systems for all-electric vehicles. This field test—also intended to provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility, user behaviour and the demands made of future products—is to start in early 2011.
We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche.
—Michael Macht, President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG
In addition to introducing the flywheel KERS equipped 911 GT3 R hybrid for production-based GT racing (earlier post) and the Cayenne S Hybrid (earlier post), Porsche earlier this year unveiled the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder concept car. (Earlier post.)
The mid-engined two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp (373 kW) and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW). Porsche says that concept combines the performance of a super-sports car with the CO2 emissions of a small compact, with fuel consumption of 3.0 L/100 kilometers (78.4 mpg US) and 70 grams CO2 per kilometer in its most economical operating mode
.The hybrid system of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid was developed especially for racing, with two 60 kW (82 hp) electric motors on the front axle boosting the 480 hp six-cylinder power unit fitted at the rear. The flywheel power storage system is recharged whenever the driver applies the brakes. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already shown its racing qualities in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
The Cayenne S Hybrid is the first production car in the range able to run under electric power alone. With maximum output of 380 hp (283 kW), the Cayenne S Hybrid offers NEDC cycle fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km (28.7 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 193 g/km. This hybrid technology will also be featured in the future Panamera S Hybrid due to enter the market next year.
Tesla may have very serious competition.
Posted by: HarveyD | 26 July 2010 at 11:17 AM
Part of a business plan due diligence is to examine what happens when everyone does it. Once everyone maneuvers around the patents land mine, then big companies come in with a "me too" product. Lots of buyers like brand names that will be there tomorrow and for years to come with a warranty that means something.
Posted by: SJC | 26 July 2010 at 11:43 AM
Yup. That's why the EV1, E-Rav and maybe even the Prius, were not such a good idea for the makers - (but still really good for us).
Posted by: ToppaTom | 26 July 2010 at 06:50 PM