Porsche recently undertook an extensive 19-day, 5,000-kilometer journey across Australia, from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Bondi Beach in Sydney. This journey showcased the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) for remote road trips.
The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, with a claimed driving range of 469 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, was the centerpiece of this expedition. The trip served as a real-world test of the vehicle’s range and explored the capabilities of Australia’s EV charging infrastructure. The Taycan utilized various public ultra-fast charging stations from companies such as ChargeFox, Evie, and Tesla, as well as Porsche’s own destination charger network.
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Over the course of the journey, the Taycan required 27 charging stops, resulting in a total of 85 hours of stoppage time. Most of these stops occurred at Porsche dealerships, where the Taycan could recharge at a rate of 22 kW (AC). Notably, former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber had to seek out a remote cattle farm for a recharge during one part of the trip.
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The trip included visits to well-known destinations such as Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the Northern Territory, the historic township of Daly Waters, the ‘Big Red’ sand dune in the Simpson Desert, and a tour around Bathurst’s Mount Panorama racetrack before reaching the final destination, Bondi Beach, for a surf.
The 19-day schedule for the trip was not an attempt to set a speed record but rather to demonstrate the practicality of long-distance road trips in an EV while emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Porsche Cars Australia CEO and managing director, Daniel Schmollinger, stated, “Embracing the spirit of exploration, on this all-electric trip the Taycan Cross Turismo showcases the potential for reduced impact adventures. The Taycan Cross Turismo offers an exciting driving experience while connecting with nature, aligning with Porsche’s vision to resonate with Australian consumers.”
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The Taycan Cross Turismo represents Porsche’s entry into the EV market, with more electric models on the horizon, including the upcoming Macan SUV, the brand’s first all-electric sports car, the 718, and the Cayenne large SUV. Porsche’s commitment to electrification is evident as they continue to explore the possibilities of EVs in various driving scenarios.
