I had the opportunity to test drive one of the UK’s longest-range electric cars and discovered a significant challenge along the way. Christopher Sharp, a reporter for Wales Online, took the latest Porsche Taycan 4S for a journey from London to Manchester and back, aiming to experience life with a modern electric vehicle.
Since the inception of cars in the late 1800s, three fundamental questions have captivated the world – how fast can it go, how far can it travel, and how much can it carry? While carmakers have consistently highlighted speed and practicality advancements, the primary concern with electric cars remains their range.
The Porsche Taycan 4S boasts a WLTP range of 420 miles, making it one of the market’s longest-distance electric cars. Setting off with a fully charged battery at 99%, indicating a potential range of 391 miles, the journey from London to Manchester seemed viable on paper. However, real-world driving conditions often differ from theoretical ranges.
As Christopher embarked on the 10-hour drive, piloting the £96,313 Porsche, he aimed to address common concerns with electric cars – range anxiety, comfort during long trips, and external factors like traffic and weather. Surprisingly, these concerns were alleviated during the journey.
Proper planning is key to successful long trips in an electric car, and Porsche supports drivers by offering a dedicated app and software for journey planning. By specifying desired charge levels at the journey’s end and midway stops, the car facilitates efficient route planning with necessary charging stops along the way.
However, a notable challenge arose as Christopher progressed northward – the scarcity of charging infrastructure. While major city-to-city journeys may not pose issues, the uneven distribution of EV chargers across the UK presents a significant hurdle that requires attention.
The Porsche Taycan 4S offers a luxurious driving experience, with advanced features like driver fatigue detection, spacious interiors, and intuitive infotainment controls. Despite its power and size, the car handles adeptly, providing a comfortable and stable ride on highways.
Throughout the journey, the Taycan’s attention to driver well-being was evident, prompting breaks when signs of fatigue were detected. Even in adverse weather conditions, the car maintained impressive performance and passenger safety, highlighting its reliability in various situations.
As Christopher concluded his 420-mile journey, he reflected on the Taycan’s evolution as a capable successor in the electric car market, building upon its existing strengths. The experience showcased the car’s ability to excel in long-distance travel, supported by a robust charging infrastructure.
In a world transitioning towards electric mobility, challenges like charging infrastructure disparities must be addressed to enhance the widespread adoption and practicality of electric vehicles for long journeys. The Porsche Taycan 4S exemplifies the advancements and considerations necessary for a seamless electric driving experience.