Porsche has revealed it is extensively testing an all-electric version of the Macan midsize SUV that is set to launch globally in 2023.
The heavily camouflaged models give little away but do show that Porsche will offer the electric powertrain in both coupe and wagon body styles, both sporting a slightly sharper look than the current model.
Porsche has revealed it is currently developing an all-electric Macan that will go on sale in 2023. Pictured is Michael Steiner, the member of the executive board for research and development
Porsche is currently testing the Macan EV in Germany with the goal of developing the sportiest model in the midsize SUV segment.
The engineering team will have completed three million kilometres in the Macan EV before it hits the market, which will cover a range of conditions to ensure quality is maintained.
Before physical versions of the Macan EV even hit the road Porsche was testing the vehicle virtually with 20 digital prototypes mocked up to test things such as aerodynamics, acoustics and energy management.
Porsche has been using simulations to test the Macan virtually before they even hit the road
Michael Steiner, member of the executive board for research and development, at Porsche said entering the physical stage was a major milestone for the project.
“Endurance testing on closed-off testing facilities and public roads in real-life conditions is still indispensable to ensure that the vehicle structure, operational stability and reliability of hardware, software and all functions meet our high quality standards,” he said.
Porsche showing off the sheer amount of data collection involved during the testing process
Little is known about the Macan EV but Mr Steiner said it will use the same 800-volt architecture as the Taycan, technology that is capable of 350kW charging but is currently restricted to 270kW.
The Macan EV will be the first car to sit on Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric and will go on sale alongside an updated version of the combustion-powered Macans in 2023.
Porsche has yet to confirm or rule out the Macan EV for Australia so we’ll watch this space closely.