Prototypes for Porsche's electric Macan have been spotted again, with the latest test vehicles revealing a number of new design elements bound for the production model.
Porsche has hinted at an electric Macan for a number of years and in early 2021 finally confirmed one was coming. It's due in early 2024, meaning it likely will arrive as a 2024 model in the U.S.
That's a year later than previously thought and means the electric Macan will arrive later than a related Audi to be called the Q6 E-Tron, which is expected to debut later this year. The vehicles will ride on a new PPE (Premium Platform Electric) modular platform developed by Porsche in partnership with Audi. Versions of the platform will underpin multiple models across the Volkswagen Group.
The prototypes for the electric Macan hint at a design similar to a clay model shown a couple of years back in the “Porsche Unseen” book, with the key element being the rectangular headlights similar to those found on the Taycan. A split headlight design can also be seen, as additional lights low in the front fascia show up in the latest prototypes.
According to the photographer, a small rear spoiler also extends from the tailgate at speeds of more than 30 mph. Exhaust tips in some of the earlier spy photos were dummy units to hide the vehicle's identity. Prototypes for the Porsche Taycan also had them.
Porsche is relying on both real-world and virtual testing to speed up development of the electric Macan, particularly in the areas of aerodynamics, energy management, user interface, and acoustics. The development goal is to ensure the electric Macan is the sportiest model in the segment. Key to this will be a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
Possible clay model for electric Porsche Macan
Another major advantage the electric Macan will have over much of the competition is an 800-volt electric architecture, meaning rapid charge times will be possible. Using a 350-kw charge point, Porsche has hinted that 60 miles could be added in four minutes and close to 250 miles in less than 20 minutes. The automaker has also demonstrated 450-kw charging, in which 60 miles could be added in just three minutes, but 450-kw charging is all but unknown in the U.S.
The electric Macan will have at least one grade with a 98-kwh battery pack and an electric motor driving each axle. Peak output will be more than 603 hp.
2024 Porsche Macan EV spy shots - Photo credit: Baldauf
Production of the electric Macan will take place at Porsche's plant in Leipzig, Germany, where the current gas-powered model is built. Note, Porsche updated the gas-powered Macan for the 2022 model year. It's actually the crossover's second update. The plan is to continue selling the gas-powered Macan alongside the electric newcomer for a period while electric charging infrastructure is built up. Eventually, though, only the electric version will be on sale.
Almost the entire Porsche lineup is going the electric route. The automaker has said it estimates more than 80% of its sales will be EVs by 2030, with the remainder made up of the 911, which will be Porsche's last holdout for the internal-combustion engine. After the electric Macan, Porsche will launch electric versions of the 718 sports car and Cayenne mid-size SUV and eventually a new flagship SUV. One more generation of the gas-powered Panamera is also planned before it also goets the electric route.
