Porsche confirms all-electric Mission E concept

Porsche has announced that its all-electric Mission E vehicle, displayed at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, will go ahead.

The super-saloon is set to be launched at the end of the decade.

Dr Oliver Blume, chairman of Porsche’s Executive Board, said that Porsche is ‘beginning a new chapter in the history of the sports car’.

In light of Volkswagen’s (VW) past emissions scandal, the Mission E demonstrates VW Group’s commitment to electrify its model range. Porsche’s recent return to sports car racing, with the release of its 919 Hybrid, will help rapidly develop the drive systems needed to make the Mission E one of the fastest and greenest cars on the road.

The quoted statistics describe the vehicle as a four-door, four-seater with an output of over 600 hp. These figures will offer a 62 mph time of less than 3.5 seconds but more importantly provide a range of more than 500 km in excess of 310 miles.

The most significant progression is noted in the model’s new charging system. Porsche has designed a unique 800 volt charger unit that will recharge the car’s floor mounted lithium-ion batteries to 80 per cent power in just 15 minutes. In addition, the company has looked into fitting a wireless charging plate that will recharge the car when it is parked over an induction coil set into the floor. This technology opens up the potential for topping up charge while on the move should the road network be set up.

The news has arisen as part of an announcement that €700 million will be invested in Porshe’s main factory at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, creating more than 1,000 new jobs. In the few next years, a new paint shop and assembly plant will be built, while the existing engine factory is being expanded for the production of electric motors.

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, said: "With Mission E, we are making a clear statement about the future of the brand. Even in a greatly changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain its front-row position with this fascinating sports car."

Blume commented: "We are resolutely taking on the challenge of electric mobility. Even with solely battery-powered sports cars, Porsche is remaining true to its philosophy and offering our customers the sportiest and technologically most sophisticated model in this market segment."

Read more