Porsche has always been known for its commitment to evolution rather than revolution when it comes to engineering. The company has stayed true to its roots by sticking with the rear-mounted flat-six engine in its flagship sports car for 77 years. However, with the introduction of the new Porsche Cayenne Electric, there seems to be a shift towards a more revolutionary approach, according to Marco Schmerbeck, head of the energy system for the Cayenne Electric.
In a recent engineering preview for the Cayenne Electric in Leipzig, Germany, Schmerbeck expressed his belief that the battery in the Cayenne Electric represents a significant departure from the traditional Porsche norm. Unlike previous models, the Cayenne Electric’s battery does away with a traditional frame and instead mounts individual modules directly to the car’s body. This new design not only saves weight but also increases energy density by dedicating more space within the pack to the cells.
The design of the Cayenne Electric’s battery is simpler and more repairable compared to previous models. The individual modules can be easily replaced by dropping them out from underneath the car after removing the fiberglass underbody panel. This design also requires fewer fasteners, making the manufacturing process more efficient.
The Cayenne Electric’s battery pack, which uses pouch cells from LG Chem, features silicon-graphite anodes and nickel-manganese-cobalt-aluminum cathodes. The use of silicon in the battery allows for fast charging capabilities, with the Cayenne Electric capable of adding 186 miles of WLTP range in just 10 minutes of fast charging.
In terms of energy density, the Cayenne Electric’s battery pack is slightly smaller than the Taycan’s but offers more usable capacity. The gross capacity is 113 kWh, while the net capacity is 108 kWh. The Cayenne Electric boasts 192 cells arranged into six modules, each of which is directly cooled by plates attached to the top and bottom.
Overall, the Cayenne Electric represents a significant step forward for Porsche in terms of efficiency and innovation. The company has made several smaller improvements to boost efficiency, such as relocating the fans in front of the radiators and introducing an oil-cooled rear motor for the Turbo model. These changes have contributed to the Cayenne Electric’s impressive 600-kW brake regeneration capability and a quoted range of 373 miles.
With the Cayenne Electric, Porsche has demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. The combination of innovative design, efficient cooling systems, and high-performance components makes the Cayenne Electric a standout model in Porsche’s electric vehicle lineup. It’s clear that Porsche has come a long way in the six years since the introduction of the Taycan, and the Cayenne Electric may very well be the automaker’s best electric vehicle yet.