Tesla-Fighting Porsche Taycan Goes the Distance in Endurance Test

We've already received an in-depth, passenger-seat preview of the all-electric Porsche Taycan—and its performance earns the red-and-gold crest on its hood. But what about its daily usability? Battery range and charge times are barriers against electric vehicle adoption; "refueling" an electric car still just isn't as convenient. However, Porsche has been working to develop quick-recharge technology apace with its upcoming sports sedan EV, which was demonstrated in a 24-hour endurance test at Italy's famed Nardo high-speed test track.

In a full day, the Taycan prototype covered a distance of 2,128.1 miles, with cruising speeds kept between 121 and 133 mph. Stops were only made for necessary recharging and driver changes. Porsche didn't elucidate on the number of stops needed or its charging strategy for the test, but suffice to say the car was kept off the cable and on the track as much as possible.

This running also demonstrated the Taycan's thermal management system. Battery output and charge rates are susceptible to temperature changes, so keeping the Taycan's power source in an ideal zone for power output and charge acceptance was critical to the distance covered. No easy feat, considering the day's 107-degree Fahrenheit peak temperature, but the Taycan's cooling system works to minimize power losses to heat while in motion, and cool it down for efficient charging when stopped.

The Taycan uses an 800-volt electrical system which can use DC fast charging to add 60 miles of range in about four minutes, or nearly 250 miles in about 15 minutes; total range is projected to be above 300 miles. That recharging ability hinges on Porsche's own 320-kW DC chargers which were key to the distance achieved.

By our rough calculations, a Panamera Turbo would be able to cover quite a bit more ground in the same test. Assuming a 21-mpg average at 121 mph yields about a 497-mile range from its 23.7-gallon tank. With six three-minute refueling stops, the nearest equivalent gas-powered Porsche could cover about 2,868 miles in 24 hours. Still, over 2,100 all-electric miles in a day should quell most drivers' anxiety about the Taycan getting wherever they need to go.

There's still lots to learn about and be proven by the Taycan, but regardless it will mark a new chapter for Porsche as its first all-electric vehicle. Expect further updates on MotorTrend.com leading up to the vehicle's September 4 premiere.