Embracing the Future: Porsche’s Electric Macan
Table of Contents
The Electric Macan
Let’s cut to the chase: Porsche’s plan for the electric Macan and its siblings in the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) range was ambitious from the get-go. We expected in-depth reviews of the electric Macan, along with Audi’s Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron, much earlier. But, delays happened. Now, at the tail end of 2023, we’re still waiting for the final production models. It seems Porsche will beat Audi to the punch with the Macan’s world premiere, though it’s a close race to see which SUV hits the streets first.
Porsche, headquartered in Zuffenhausen, showcased a glimpse of their electric technology at a workshop in Leipzig – the birthplace of the upcoming electric Macan. Here, they put the spotlight on the Macan, subtly differentiating it from its Audi cousins.
The Heart of the Electric Macan: Its Drive System
Porsche’s commitment to permanently excited synchronous electric motors (PSM) is evident in the electric Macan. Drive developer Antoon Janssen broke down the pros and cons: high energy density for compact design, efficient high performance, and consistent service life. These benefits, despite the higher cost due to the rotor’s permanent magnets, made PSM the choice for Porsche.
Taking cues from the Taycan, the Macan adopts hairpin windings in its stator, increasing energy density. Improvements include an optimized double V-cut magnet arrangement and enhanced water jacket cooling for maximum power output.
Here’s the deal: Porsche’s first PPE model sports three drive units across two variants. The basic model features a front motor with a 210mm diameter and a 100mm active length, alongside a 200mm active rear motor. The higher-end variant shares the same front motor but boosts the rear with a 230mm diameter and a 210mm active length.
Porsche is playing its cards close to its chest regarding final output and model names, hinting only that the top-tier model will boast around 450 kW power and over 1,000 Nm torque. This powerhouse likely deserves the ‘Turbo’ moniker, a familiar term in Porsche’s electric lineup. As for the entry-level variant, its similarity to the top model suggests a potential debut as the Macan 4S.
Both models utilize a two-stage input gearbox at each axle for power flow, with the top variant featuring a unique “performance rear carriage” for optimal weight distribution and an actively controlled transverse lock in the differential.
Macan’s Drive Modes and Efficiency
The electric Macan marks a departure from the Taycan’s ‘Range’ mode, favoring rear-wheel drive in moderate conditions for efficiency. This efficiency comes from the silicon carbide semiconductor inverter at the rear. The front axle, using silicon, is less active but ready to jump in for added power or recuperation.
Recuperation in the Macan is a fine balance. It can recover up to around 240 kW, translating to about 4.3 m/s deceleration, but Porsche has skipped one-pedal driving for a more traditional driving feel. Instead, “thrust recuperation” engages around 0.6 m/s deceleration when the accelerator is released, mimicking a combustion engine’s engine brake.
The PPE Platform
Porsche’s electric motor production for the Macan is based in Stuttgart, while Audi crafts its motors in Györ, Hungary. This highlights the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform’s flexibility, accommodating various motor types – a nod to future adaptability.
Powering the Electric Macan: The Battery
All Macan models share a single battery variant for now: a 100 kWh lithium-ion powerhouse assembled by Dräxlmaier in Leipzig. Each module contains 15 prismatic NCM811 cells, culminating in a 570kg unit. The cells, sourced from CATL’s European plant near Erfurt, boast a nickel, manganese, and cobalt cathode in an 8:1:1 ratio, enhancing energy density by about 30%. Unique to the Macan is its battery management system (BMCe), positioned at the battery’s rear end. It monitors cell voltages, controls power distribution, and enables both 800 and 400-volt DC charging. Notably, the battery self-regulates temperature when parked in hot conditions, cooling the cells and reducing charge levels to minimize stress.
Charging the Electric Macan
DC charging speeds reach up to 270 kW, allowing a 10 to 80% charge in under 22 minutes. An interesting feature is the “bank charging” capability, which splits the battery to utilize 400-volt charging stations effectively. Positioning the charging ports above the rear axle enhances practicality. The vehicle supports Plug&Charge at both DC and AC ports, thanks to the Smart Actuator Charger Interface Device (SACID). The Integrated Power Box (IPB) consolidates the AC onboard charger, high-voltage heater, and DC/DC converter, saving space and weight. The onboard charger, starting at 11 kW, hints at potential future upgrades.
Software and User Experience
Porsche’s new PCM generation embraces Android Automotive OS, maintaining a unique Porsche interface and menu navigation. Monthly map updates and an improved charging route planner in the navigation app promise a seamless experience, irrespective of destination.
Additionally, Porsche’s App Centre opens doors to third-party apps, enhancing in-car entertainment and functionality. The switch to Android Automotive OS also brings an improved voice assistant, now understanding 23 languages and recognizing whether the driver or passenger is speaking.
Lighting and Augmented Reality
Ambient lighting in the Macan, using 56 LEDs, creates an interactive experience, visualizing vehicle statuses and even assisting with lane change warnings. The optional head-up display with augmented reality technology, projecting at a distance of ten meters, stands as one of the largest in the market, further enhancing driver awareness and convenience.
The Electric Macan’s Chassis: A Blend of Comfort and Performance
Porsche’s engineering finesse shines in the Macan’s chassis. The standard steel spring suspension can be upgraded with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) for a broader range of comfort and performance. The optional air suspension, always paired with PASM, incorporates two-valve technology for a larger damper map, enhancing vehicle dynamics.
Rear-axle steering is a first for the Macan, reducing the turning circle to 11.1 meters and improving handling at high speeds. A more direct steering ratio on the front axle complements this feature.
Manufacturing the Electric Macan in Leipzig
The electric Macan shares its birthplace with the first-generation model in Leipzig, a facility that has seen a 600 million euro investment for its fifth expansion. The assembly line accommodates both the electric and combustion engine Macans, with the key difference being the integration of the battery by a robot at the beginning of the electric variant’s assembly.
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A Glimpse into Porsche’s Electric Future
As we await the electric Macan’s world premiere, its blend of innovative technology, efficient performance, and classic Porsche driving dynamics positions it as a strong contender in the evolving electric vehicle market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and how is the electric Macan being produced?
The electric Macan is being built in Leipzig, where Porsche has invested around 600 million euros for the site’s expansion. The assembly processes for electric and combustion engine models are mostly the same, with differences primarily at the start of the line.
How efficient is the Macan’s charging system?
The Macan can charge up to 270 kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 22 minutes. The battery also supports “bank charging” for 400-volt stations, allowing parallel charging of two 400-volt batteries.
What are the battery specifications for the Macan?
All Macan models will have a lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of around 100 kWh. The battery system, assembled by Dräxlmaier, consists of 15 prismatic NCM811 cells in each module, totaling 12 modules.
What are the performance specs of Porsche’s Macan EV?
The final output and model designation will be announced at the world premiere, but it’s known that the system output will be around 450 kW with a maximum torque of over 1,000 Nm for the top model.
