Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo has achieved a Guinness World Record for the most significant altitude change by an electric vehicle, scaling the heights of Hongtu Daban in Tibet, reaching a staggering elevation of 17,569 feet. While the altitude itself is a testament to the car’s capabilities, it is the journey’s extraordinary ascent that truly distinguishes this achievement.
The epic 10-day expedition embarked from Ayding Lake, a dry lakebed in Western China, which stands at a remarkable 718 feet below sea level. Over the course of its adventure, the Taycan Cross Turismo conquered a total ascent of 18,287 feet, a height not far from the cruising altitude of most passenger aircraft.
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This expedition was far from a straightforward drive. Participants encountered diverse weather conditions, traversing a variety of terrains, including the lakebed itself and iconic landmarks like the Tarim Poplar Forest, Tomur Grand Canyon, and various challenging roads.
Electric vehicles, with their absence of air-breathing combustion engines, are less susceptible to altitude-related power and functionality issues. However, the taxing ascent did deplete the car’s battery pack to some extent. Porsche did not provide specific details on the range or efficiency during the journey but highlighted the Taycan Cross Turismo’s regenerative capabilities, particularly during downhill stretches. The car’s energy recuperation reached up to 275 kW when descending a 13,123-foot pass, significantly boosting its range.
Charging stations were not readily available in certain regions of the expedition, notably during a challenging 472-mile stretch through the Kunlun and Tianshan mountains. Despite the adversity, the off-road-ready Taycan Cross Turismo pressed on, thanks in part to EnjoyElec’s support for recharging in varying weather conditions. Throughout the journey, Porsche noted that the Taycan’s 800V architecture enabled it to charge efficiently at higher altitudes.
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The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, priced starting at $101,900 in the United States, boasts dual motors for all-wheel-drive traction and offers a maximum of 469 horsepower in overboost mode. For those seeking even more power, the Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo cranks up the performance to a formidable 750 horsepower, albeit with a price tag nearly double that of the base model, at $197,500.
