Spy shots and video of the Porsche Macan EV 2024: the electric crossover is here now
A prototype of Porsche's Macan electric car has been spotted again, revealing a number of new design elements for the production model.
Porsche has been hinting at an electric Macan for years and finally confirmed its existence in early 2021. It is due in 2023, meaning we are likely to see it arrive as a 2024 model here in the U.S.
It has been confirmed that the electric Macan will arrive later this year, a year later than previously thought, and will be called the Q6 E-Tron, related meaning it will arrive later than the Audi. These vehicles will be mounted on a new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) modular platform that Porsche has developed with Audi. This version of the platform will underpin several models across the Volkswagen Group.
Prototypes of the electric Macan suggest a design similar to the clay model shown at Porsche Unseen a few years ago, with the key element being rectangular headlights similar to those seen on the Taycan. The latest prototype also has additional lights low on the front mask, indicating that a split headlight design will be used.
According to the photographer, a small rear spoiler extends from the tailgate at speeds above 30 mph. Also, don't be fooled by the exhaust tips. It is a dummy unit to hide the vehicle's true identity. The prototype Porsche Taikan had one of these.
Porsche is relying on both real-world driving tests and virtual tests to accelerate the development of the electric Macan, especially in the areas of aerodynamics, energy management, user interface, and acoustics. The development goal is to make the electric Macan the sportiest model in its segment. Key to this is a sophisticated all-wheel drive system.
One of the major advantages the electric Macan will have over many of its competitors is its 800-volt electrical system, which means it can be charged quickly. Porsche has hinted that a 350-kilowatt charge point can add 60 miles in four minutes and nearly 250 miles in less than 20 minutes. It has also demonstrated that a 450-kilowatt charge can add 60 miles in just three minutes.
Production of the electric Macan will take place at Porsche's plant in Leipzig, Germany, where the current gasoline engine models are produced. Note that Porsche updated the gas-powered Macan for the 2022 model year. This is actually the second update for the crossover. The plan is to continue selling the gas-powered Macan alongside the electric car for a few years until the electric charging infrastructure is in place. Eventually, however, only the electric version will be sold.
We will all have to get used to more models moving from the Porsche lineup to electric vehicles. Porsche said last year that it expects that by 2030, more than 80% of its sales will be electric cars, with the rest being 911s.