Porsche’s Macan Electric prototype has undergone a rigorous testing program ahead of its world premiere. Porsche engineers have developed an entirely new vehicle, without compromise, to ensure the successful development and testing of the Macan Electric.
Porsche has announced that the final finishing tests are underway ahead of the world premiere of the Macan Electric.
Originally launched a decade ago, the Macan has been completely transformed into a pure electric vehicle. It is the first model built on the new PPE platform (Premium Platform Electric), and extensive testing has been conducted to achieve perfect balance between all components and systems.
Porsche utilizes extensive testing in real-world environments, as well as precise virtual simulations and wind tunnel experiments for sporty performance and enhanced efficiency.
Jörg Kerner, Vice President of the Macan product line, stated, “When developing a new model, Porsche always considers driving dynamics, precision, efficiency, and the design inherent in the Porsche DNA.” Maintaining the identity of the successful Macan series while ensuring high efficiency and long driving range is a challenge that must meet aerodynamic conditions. Therefore, cooperation between departments during the design development phase and the state-of-the-art wind tunnel aerodynamic testing phase was crucial.
Style Porsche’s exterior designer, Peter Varga, emphasized, “Finding the optimal balance between Porsche’s unique design principles and the specifications set forth by aerodynamic engineers was a challenge, and we closely collaborated to achieve perfect balance between aesthetics and function.”
The Macan Electric successfully combines its unique design DNA with aerodynamics optimized for driving range. This includes not only an attractive silhouette but also Porsche’s active aerodynamic components.
Thomas Wiegand, Director of Aerodynamic Development, explained, “All active aerodynamic elements contribute to the driving range,” stating that the Macan Electric will include an automatically extending rear spoiler and active cooling flaps for the front air intake.
There are variable elements beneath the body as well. The underside of the vehicle is flat, similar to a race car, in the rear axle area. Thanks to flexible fairing, low air resistance is maintained even during rebound, combined with innovative solutions featuring closed wheels and aerodynamically optimized tire profiles.
During normal road driving, the Macan automatically adopts the ideal aerodynamic shape. The rear spoiler switches to eco position, the air flaps close, and the chassis level is lowered. Wiegand and his team measured the drag coefficient during this phase at 0.25 (down from 0.35), significantly enhancing efficiency, making the Macan Electric the most aerodynamic SUV.
The WLTP-rated driving range exceeds 500km.
The Macan Electric’s electric motor can utilize up to 95 kWh through a total 100 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the chassis. Thanks to the 800-volt PPE, high-performance rapid charging is possible and is currently being tested worldwide.
Kerner highlighted the importance of testing prototypes in varied environments due to differing charging standards across markets, stating, “Charging must work anywhere, anytime.” The maximum capacity for DC rapid charging at 800-volt stations is 270 kW, and at 400-volt stations, by effectively splitting the battery into two with a high-voltage switch, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 22 minutes. Even without an HV booster, it can be efficiently charged up to 150 kW, and AC charging is available up to 11 kW.
Porsche developed the Macan Electric with a focus on the brand’s distinctive driving dynamics and sharp steering feel. The engineers conducted various tests to ensure the seamless and stable interaction of the newly developed components and systems. Durability testing simulates conditions far beyond the absolute limits customers would encounter. So far, the camouflaged prototype of the Macan Electric has completed over 3.5 million kilometers of testing on tracks and public roads.
Testing was conducted worldwide to evaluate all driving components under extreme climatic and situational conditions. Kerner shared, “We’ve tested at temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees in Scandinavia to over 50 degrees in California’s Death Valley,” emphasizing the need for stable performance across various terrains, including on/off-road, gravel paths, and snow and ice. The rear-focused all-wheel drive Macan Electric excels in all these situations.
Porsche’s latest generation PSM motors, mounted specifically for the Macan on the front and rear axles, continuously deliver outstanding efficiency and optimal output with over 450 kW of overboost power.
Porsche’s electronically controlled traction management distributes torque of over 102 kg.m almost in real time, maximally leveraging the capabilities of the launch control system. To offer the broad performance spectrum characteristic of the Macan, engineers implemented a two-valve damper technology, air suspension, rear axle transverse lock, and Porsche’s first rear axle steering system capable of adjusting the steering angle by up to 5 degrees.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr