Electric Porsche Macan to come with 100kWh battery and 595hp motor

Electric Porsche Macan is facing delays due to software issues that the entire VW Group is currently struggling with. That means extra time for engineers to further improve on the upcoming electric SUV and according to Antoon Janssen, the powertrain manager responsible for the Macan development - this extra time has been well spent.

Porsche set a goal for the electric Macan - to be the sportiest SUV in its class. It’s not too difficult in all honesty, with the previous Macan having the best chassis in class and with Taycan being probably the most fun electric car to drive, the Macan EV has plenty of experience to draw on.

The car will be equipped with two, permanently excited electric motors similar to those used in the Taycan. They aren’t the same motors though, they have been completely re-engineered to offer higher power density and improved efficiency. Silicon semiconductors have been swapped for silicon-carbide based ones and a new magnet arrangement in a “double V” helps to increase the strength and the focus of the electro-magnetic field.

The improvements made to the motors result in a combined output of 595hp and 1,000Nm of torque (450kW and 738 lb-ft). That’s more torque than the Porsche Taycan GTS delivers. There is no word yet whether the “boost” function will be available, but if it will, it most likely be either part of a performance upgrade or higher vehicle trim.

The front motor can be completely disconnected from the drivetrain, this will be initially used to reduce rolling resistance at motorway speeds but can at some point offer a spirited rear-wheel drive or can form a base for an entry RWD only model.

Porsche is taking driving dynamics seriously and Macan is no exception. The weight distribution sits at a “fun to drive” 48-52 split with performance rear axle having the electric motor mounted as far back as possible. That way traction is improved during acceleration and fast sharp bends are fun to navigate without an Audi-like sensation of front wanting to go straight. Top trims will get a rear electronic locking differential to make the power delivery even more predictable.

The driving dynamics setup continues with even wider tires than current Macan GTS is using, we can expect 305 or even 315 tires in the back for more grip - 1,000Nm of torque is not easy to deal with. The Macan EV will use Porsche’s two-valve dampers to work with the PASM with improved adjustments and possibility to change the ride height.

Compared to the current Macan, Macan EV will be a master of tight spaces. The maximum steering angle has been increased by 15% and the rear-wheel steering will come with additional 5 degrees to make three-point turns a thing of the past.

Interestingly there will be only one battery option - all models will come with the 100kWh 800V battery pack. It will support 270kW DC charging and should be good for 500km (310 miles) although at this stage Porsche is not sharing the exact figure. The completely new battery technology will allow the car to take advantage of 400V DC chargers by splitting the battery into two halves - each 400V - and thus still charging faster.

The PPE platform used for the Macan EV will underpin the electric Cayenne as well and while the Macan is using only 12 prismatic cells, the platform can accommodate more. It means the Cayenne EV will have a substantially larger battery pack. The company is working hard on reducing the battery size further, but Porsche’s Formula E team director, Florian Modlinger admits it will take a long time.

The Macan EV was supposed to be released next year, but due to software delays the deliveries have been postponed to 2024. The Macan will be the second electric car from the company and it will be followed by the electric Boxster and Cayenne in 2025 and electric Panamera in 2027. Then there is the all-new large 7-seater electric SUV based on the SSP Sport platform codenamed K1 which will be released before 2030.

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