The name Taycan, Porsche’s moniker for its first all-electric sports car, signifies a pivotal moment for the iconic German automaker. Officially announced during the “70 years of sports cars” celebration, Taycan, roughly translated from an oriental language to mean “lively young horse,” directly references the powerful imagery embodied in the Porsche crest – a symbol featuring a leaping horse since 1952. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, describes the Taycan as “strong and dependable,” a vehicle built for “consistently cover[ing] long distances” and “epitomising freedom.” This name not only marks the arrival of Porsche’s first foray into full electric vehicles but also encapsulates the spirited soul of the brand in this innovative model.
The Porsche Taycan is engineered for exhilarating performance. Equipped with two permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM), the electric powertrain delivers a system output exceeding 600 hp (440 kW). This robust setup enables the Taycan to achieve breathtaking acceleration, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds and reaching 200 km/h in less than twelve seconds. Beyond sheer acceleration, the Taycan distinguishes itself with unprecedented continuous power for an electric vehicle. It is designed to handle multiple launch starts consecutively without any performance degradation, ensuring consistent thrills. Moreover, the Electric Porsche Taycan boasts a maximum range exceeding 500 km based on the NEDC standard, making it a practical choice for both spirited drives and longer journeys.
Porsche’s naming philosophy traditionally links vehicle names to the model’s characteristics. Boxster combines “boxer engine” and “roadster design,” while Cayenne suggests “fieriness.” Cayman represents “incisive and agile,” and Panamera, derived from the Carrera Panamericana race, signifies a grand tourer exceeding standard expectations. Macan, inspired by the Indonesian word for “tiger,” embodies “suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics.” Taycan continues this tradition, embodying the energetic and dynamic spirit of Porsche’s electric future.
To realize this electric future, Porsche is making substantial investments in electromobility. The company has committed to investing over six billion euros by 2022, doubling its initial planned expenditure. A significant portion of this investment, around 500 million euros, is specifically allocated for developing Taycan variants and derivatives, ensuring a diverse model range. A further one billion euros will be directed towards the broader electrification and hybridization of Porsche’s existing product lineup. Additionally, hundreds of millions are earmarked for expanding production facilities, while approximately 700 million euros are designated for pioneering new technologies, developing charging infrastructure, and advancing smart mobility solutions.
The production of the electric Porsche Taycan is driving significant expansion at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen headquarters. Currently under construction are a new paint shop, a dedicated assembly area exclusively for the Taycan, and a conveyor bridge to streamline the transport of painted car bodies and drive units to the final assembly line. The existing engine plant is undergoing expansion to accommodate the manufacturing of electric drives, and the body shop is also being further developed. Investments extend to the Weissach Development Centre, reinforcing Porsche’s commitment to innovation. The Taycan project alone is projected to generate approximately 1,200 new jobs in Zuffenhausen, underscoring its economic impact.
As Porsche celebrated its 70th anniversary of sports car manufacturing in 2018, the unveiling of the Taycan name was a highlight of the year-long festivities. Events throughout 2018, including a celebratory weekend in June at the Zuffenhausen plant, engaged employees, local residents, and prospective customers alike, showcasing Porsche’s heritage and future direction with the electric Porsche Taycan leading the charge.
