At its 2022 Capital Markets Day, Porsche detailed the next steps of its future roadmap through which it largely aims to electrify its product portfolio. At the event, CEO Oliver Blume unveiled a series of new products that would help the OEM achieve this end goal – most notably a new EV architecture and an electric SUV built upon it.
This architecture is called SSP Sport, a performance-oriented variant of the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Performance architecture in development for future EVs in its brand portfolio. In addition to being utilized in its new electric SUV, Porsche confirmed that SSP Sport will feature in the forthcoming Panamera EV and second-generation Taycan model – both of which are expected to arrive before 2030.
With the architecture, Porsche will incorporate new technologies under development within the Volkswagen Group’s Artemis project while integrating its own bespoke elements for added flexibility. Here, the OEM will be able to usher in a range of new systems for its future vehicles – with new battery technologies, such as a 350-kW charging capacity; oil-cooled high-performance electric motors; and a 900V electrical architecture. A selection of these elements had previously been previewed in the OEM’s concept cars, such as the 900-V Mission R showcased at the 2021 IAA motor show in Munich.
The SUV itself, codenamed K1, will spawn a seventh model line for the OEM – joining the 718 Boxster/Cayman, 911, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Taycan. Within this line-up, the new SUV will sit above the Cayenne and be offered as a high-end model upon its launch during the second half of the decade. Ahead of this launch, it will be produced at Porsche’s manufacturing plant in Leipzig, Germany – though it is not yet known when production is expected to commence. Both the SUV and SSP ultimately work to help the automaker achieve its previously announced sustainability goals. Here, Porsche expects to achieve carbon neutrality across its supply chain and have 80% of its sales consist of BEVs by 2030.
Coinciding with these announcements, Porsche also issued the first major update for its full range of Taycan EVs. Owners of a Taycan from any model year will be able to install the software featured in the 2023 version – regardless of their vehicle’s age, engine, or body. At the height of the update’s benefits is an increase in the powertrain’s efficiency which, depending on when the EV was delivered, extends the maximum range by around 31 miles (50 kilometers). Likewise, enhanced thermal management better conditions the battery – specifically at cooler temperatures outside – which allows for the Taycan to be rapidly charged more frequently over a wider range of battery charge levels. For 2020 and 2021 models, this specifically increases range and decreases charging times.
Inside, users can benefit from enhancements to the Porsche Communication Management and Porsche Connect functions. Here, the update provides 2020 and 2021 models, as well as those up to mid-February 2022, with optimized voice controls and a dedicated Spotify app. 2021 model year owners with a HUD receive an optimized view of the navigation map and other elements. All users benefit equally from the inclusion of wireless Android Auto and the ability to filter and select charging stations based on their charging capacity directly within the navigation system. In broadening the software functionality of the 2023 Taycan, all prior model years (2020 through 2022) will now be able to unlock purchasable features, functions, and equipment. All Taycan owners will now, for example, be able to request and purchase the keyless opening function for the doors and tailgate.
While a specific release date for the update has not yet been confirmed, Porsche advised that it will be rolled out on a market-specific basis. To download and install the free update, customers must visit their nearest Porsche service workshop. While all Taycan models will receive the same update, the installation duration can vary based on their software status – with older models receiving more improvements, and a longer installation time as a result.
