Porsche Taycan: The sports car, sustainably redesigned

The goal is clear: Porsche aims to become the most sustainable premium sports car manufacturer in the world. The carmaker is implementing measures across its entire value chain to avoid — or at least, reduce — CO₂ emissions. In line with this, it is opening the next chapter in its history by introducing its first all-electric sports car, the Porsche Taycan, as well as its bespoke, CO₂-neutral production facility in Zuffenhausen.

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Suitably, the all-new Taycan’s fully electric powertrain also produces no emission. The first batch of the model is arriving in some markets, with more arrivals to follow across the globe, including the Philippines.

The Taycan leads a new era in automotive production, which is networked and flexible. At the Zuffenhausen plant, Porsche is using electricity from renewable sources and bio-gas to generate heat. It also employs automated guided vehicle systems instead of traditional conveyor belts to transport components and vehicles from station to station. The new production buildings are designed to be extremely energy-efficient too, adopting green rail transportation solutions and increasing their reliance on electric-powered logistics trucks. In short, the production facility sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. 

“We have a level of responsibility for the environment and society. Production of the Taycan is already carbon-neutral. Heritage meets the future at our parent plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, which is the heart of the brand,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG.

Albrecht Reimold, a member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche AG, added the company is “committed to the climate protection targets agreed in Paris in December 2015” and recognizes its “clear responsibility” to cut down on harmful emissions.

“However, our sustainability strategy goes much further than decarbonization. Porsche is pursuing the goal of a Zero Impact Factory — production without any negative impact on the environment,” he said.

The production of the Taycan also sees 1,500 new jobs being created at the Zuffenhausen site, demonstrating that electric-powered mobility is generating employment at Porsche. And even while the company was still constructing the factory and preparing for operations, Porsche had already implemented an unprecedented training program that familiarized employees with the unique aspects of electric vehicles.

The advanced methods used in producing the Taycan, as well as its features, are currently setting the benchmark in sustainability and digitalization. Michael Steiner, a member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG’s Research and Development, said; “We promised a true Porsche for the age of electromobility — a fascinating sports car that not only excites in terms of its technology and driving dynamics, but also sparks a passion in people all over the world, just like its legendary predecessors have done. Now we are delivering on this promise.”

The Taycan, which pairs typical Porsche performance and connectivity with everyday usability, is available in three versions. The flagship Taycan Turbo S version can generate up to 761ps and has a combined power consumption of 26.9 kWh/100 km. It has no CO₂ emissions on overboost power (when used with Launch Control). The sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and its driving range is rated at up to 412 kilometers.

The Taycan Turbo can deliver up to 680ps and has a combined power consumption of 26.0 kWh/100 km, with no CO₂ emissions. It can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a range of up to 450 kilometers. The top speed of the Taycan Turbo S and Taycan Turbo is 260 km/h.

Joining the two versions is the Taycan 4S — the model range’s entry-level variant. Available in the Taycan 4S are two battery sizes. The standard Performance battery can put out as much as 530ps and a combined power consumption of 24.6 kWh/100 km, with no CO₂ emissions. Driving range is estimated at 407 kilometers.

Referring to the Taycan as a “new Porsche icon,” Blume said; “It is different to our previous vehicles, yet is still a typical Porsche—innovative, sporty and emotive.”