Porsche Taycan - The Glossary

09/1/2020

The Porsche Taycan is #soulelectrified and is one of the most important new cars that Porsche have released in recent years. But with the new electric powertrain comes a new selection of phrases to learn. To help get you started we have compiled some of the most common below.

AC Charging

Charging using Alternating Current. However, electric cars store direct current (DC) in the battery. 240 V/400 V alternating current must therefore be converted into 800 V direct current. This is done by the on-board charger in the vehicle. The Porsche Taycan charges with up to 11 kW.

DC Charging

Charging using Direct Current. Here, the current is charged directly into the battery without further conversion, the rectifier is installed in the charging station. A booster in the on-board charger makes 800-volt power possible. The charging capacity of the Taycan is then up to 270 kW.

800-Volt Technology

The Porsche Taycan is the first production vehicle with 800-volt technology. Its drive system components use this voltage. At the same power output, half the cross-section of conventional 400-volt technology is sufficient for cables. In the Taycan, this saves around four kilograms in weight, reduces transmission losses and requires less installation space. The new generation of charging stations developed by Porsche Engineering Services GmbH under the name “Porsche Charging” is designed for 800-volt technology. This significantly shortens charging times because higher power outputs can be achieved. However, the vehicle components and in particular the battery (cooling) must also be appropriately adapted.

Energy Recuperation

This is the recovery of energy. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the electric motors are used as generators and deceleration therefore initially takes place without the intervention of the mechanical wheel brakes. The kinetic energy of a car is thus converted back into electrical energy, which is routed into the battery. If a car has to be decelerated strongly, more braking power is required than the electric motors can generate. In this case, the conventional (friction) brakes also intervene. A distinction can be made between overrun recuperation and brake recuperation. With overrun recuperation, the electric motors are used for deceleration when the accelerator pedal is released. In brake recuperation, the braking system is used to decide which part of deceleration is realised by recuperation and which part by conventional wheel braking.

Contact info@porschenewcastle.co.uk for further details or to order your Porsche Taycan.