Following the illustrious footsteps of its larger sibling, the Cayenne, the Macan has not only climbed the charts but has become a driving force behind Porsche's triumphs. While the current Macan will continue to be on sale alongside the EV, just like the Taycan and Panamera co-exist, the Macan EV will have its work cut out. On its wide and strong shoulders sits the future success of Porsche’s EV range. Built on an updated version of Porsche and Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the Macan EV runs an 800-volt architecture, similar to that of the Taycan for faster charging, better performance and greater efficiency. The Macan’s other big piece of hardware is the 100kWh battery, which Porsche says will be supplied as standard. The battery consists of 12 modules with prismatic cells, the ratio of nickel, cobalt and manganese standing at 8:1:1.
To allow for higher switching frequencies, Porsche has also used silicon carbide (SiC) as the semiconductor in the rear axle. And thanks to the 800-volt technology, the Macan EV can be charged at up to 270kW. This means the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 22 minutes, a figure similar to that of the Lotus Eletre. If the charging station only operates at 400 volts, the Macan virtually divides the battery pack into two 400-volt units (that run in parallel), so they can be charged faster. Also interesting is the Integrated Power Box (IPB) – it combines three components, the on-board AC charger, the high-voltage heater and the DC/DC converter, making for a lighter, more compact unit.
Porsche Macan EV motors and suspension
The PPE platform allows for a wide range of models with rear- and all-wheel drive, as well as models with staggered performance levels. The top-ranging Macan EV, for now, will get 612hp and 1,000Nm of torque. New-age permanent magnet synchronous motors are used for maximum power density. and what’s new over the Taycan is that a larger capacity water-cooling jacket is used. This keeps the e-motor more stable when loaded up and asked to deliver max power for long stretches. Also, like the Taycan, the magnets within the rotors (inside the motor) get double V lamination and the wires of the stators using the hairpin method, for a higher percentage of copper.
Porsche Macan EV ride & handling
Riding shotgun in a Macan EV is a transformational moment. It reminds me of being taken for a drive in an early Nissan GT-R prototype, the raw pace of the four-wheel-drive, turbo-charged sportscar and the leech-like grip displaying an all-new rung in the ladder of performance. The Macan too is demonstrated on a track, and here in Leipzig in Germany, the track consists of a collection of corners from the best tracks around the world.
Porsche Macan EV
While it is too early to be specific, this is likely to be one of Porsche’s most fun cars yet. Fast, agile and clearly playful, it's expected to be priced upwards of Rs 1.4 crore for the Turbo variant and could be launched in India in the middle of 2024. It should be everything you’d expect from a Porsche electric and more.
Features
1. The Macan's Rise: From Success to Icon: The Porsche Macan stands tall as a testament to success, not just for Porsche globally but especially in the diverse and discerning market of India.
2. More Than an SUV: The Essence of Porsche DNA: In the realm of Porsche SUVs, the Macan is distinctive for its embodiment of pure Porsche DNA.
3. Electrifying Choice: Macan as Porsche's First All-Electric SUV: The Porsche Macan's journey takes an electrifying turn as it becomes the German automaker's first all-electric SUV.
4. Historic Milestone: Macan, the First Legacy Nameplate Goes Electric: Not only is the Macan Porsche's first all-electric SUV, but it also achieves another historic milestone by being the first legacy nameplate to receive the all-electric treatment.
5. Designing the Future: Macan EV's Aesthetics and Form: As the Macan transforms into an electric marvel, its design takes center stage. How does Porsche envision the future aesthetics of the Macan EV?
6. Performance Redefined: Electric Thrills with Macan EV: Performance has been synonymous with the Porsche legacy, and the Macan EV aims to redefine expectations in the electric realm.
7. Charging Ahead: Macan EV's Electric Powertrain Unveiled: The heart of the Macan EV lies in its electric powertrain. The battery consists of 12 modules with prismatic cells, the ratio of nickel, cobalt and manganese standing at 8:1:1.
Needless to say, it feels like loads and loads of fun, and then after executing some neat, tidy and blisteringly quick corners, the test driver proceeds to execute some more lurid slides. The Macan is then even driven over rough ground; but here in Sport, you really can feel every lump and bump on the surface.