Spotted again, the prototypes for Porsche’s electric Macan have revealed a number of new design elements set to feature in the production model.
Porsche confirmed the electric Macan in early 2021, hinting at the vehicle for years. However, the vehicle won’t arrive until early 2024 as a 2024 model in the U.S., which is a year later than previously anticipated. Porsche has partnered with Audi to develop a Premium Platform Electric (PPE) modular platform that the Macan and Audi Q6 E-Tron will ride on. These vehicles will have several models built on the platform within the Volkswagen Group.
The prototypes for the electric Macan suggest a design similar to a clay model shown in the “Porsche Unseen” book. They feature rectangular headlights, and low additional lights that showcase the split headlight design.
Development of the electric Macan is underway, with real-world and virtual testing focusing on aerodynamics, energy management, user interface, and acoustics. Porsche aims to make the electric Macan the sportiest model in the segment through the use of a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
The electric Macan uses an 800-volt electric architecture, enabling swift charging times. The automaker stated that drivers could add 60 miles in four minutes and close to 250 miles in less than 20 minutes using a 350-kw charge point. Although Porsche has demonstrated 450-kw charging, this system is new to the U.S. and currently unknown. The electric Macan will feature at least one grade variant, having a 98-kWh battery pack with an electric motor driving each axle, offering output of more than 603 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.
Production of the electric Macan will take place at Porsche’s plant in Leipzig, Germany, alongside the gas-powered model. Porsche plans to continue selling the gas-powered Macan and the electric Macan during the charging infrastructure’s development. Eventually, however, only the electric model will be on sale.
Porsche predicts that more than 80% of its sales will be EVs by 2030, with the 911 being Porsche’s last holdout for the internal-combustion engine. The automaker will introduce electric versions of the 718 and Cayenne, as well as a new flagship SUV, after the electric Macan’s launch.
