Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Porsche Cayenne E Plug-In Hybrid SUV
Stuttgart based Porsche is known for high-performance cars and is currently owned by the Volkswagen Group. Porsche has always had a close relationship with the Volkswagen Group, because the iconic VW Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche.
Apart from this, both VW and Porsche have collaborated on a number of platforms, to include, the Porsche Cayenne SUV. In 2010, Porsche launched the Cayenne S Hybrid and also developed an electric prototype of the Porsche Boxster, called in the Boxster E (2011). The luxury automotive manufacturer currently has the following electric vehicles (EVs) in its portfolio:
- The all-electric Porsche Taycan
- The Panamera E plug-in hybrid
- The Cayenne E plug-in hybrid
The Porsche Cayenne luxury SUV has been available since 2002. It is the first Porsche vehicle with four doors. It is also Porsche’s first off-road since the tractors of the 1950’s. The Porsche Cayenne uses the same platform as the Volkswagen Touareg and the Audi Q7. The plug-in E-hybrid variant was introduced in 2014 at the Paris Motor Show.
SUV’s have been the rage for sometime, with consumers demonstrating an insatiable appetite for premium badged upmarket models. Luxury automotive brands like Porsche cannot deliver enough. However, with the continued increase in fuel prices and the focus on ‘environment-friendly’ transportation, premium SUVs that deliver improved fuel efficiency and lower tailpipe emissions will succeed long-term.
Though the Porsche Cayenne plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a step in the right direction i.e. the PHEV has a claimed fuel economy up to 4.1 l/100 km and reduced tailpipe emissions (92g CO2/km), there is still much scope for improvement in delivering even better fuel efficiency and lower tailpipe emissions. The conventional internal combustion engine variant has tailpipe emissions up to 319g CO2/km, so best to avoid!
If the Porsche PHEV is driven mostly on motorways, with limited used of the onboard electric motor (powered by the EV battery), the fuel economy will resemble that closer to an internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (12,5 l/100 km). To get anywhere close to the Porsche claimed fuel economy, the e-mode electric driving will have to be leveraged a fair amount!
The Porsche plug-in electric SUV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-emission electric range up to 43 km (WLTP certified). Though the size of the EV battery and claimed range is typical of PHEVs of this type, the latest generation of PHEVs are offering a larger EV battery and a higher emission-free pure electric range.
Do keep in mind that the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather, road condition, wheel size etc. Assuming a 37 km emission-free electric range is more realistic, which will be sufficient for most shorter commutes, but disappointing nevertheless. The EV also has regenerative braking to increase the efficiency of the vehicle i.e. improving the electric range.
Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which again is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car. A ‘topping up’ approach to charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Porsche offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.
Despite the premium price tag, Porsche does not offer a 7kW onboard charger as standard. Instead the manufacturer offers a 3.6 kW onboard charger as standard (full charge in 4 hours), with an option to upgrade to 7.2 kW. We would certainly recommend upgrading to the 7.2 kW onboard charger to increase charging speeds (full charge in 2 hours). The EV does not offer DC charging capability.
As one can expect, a Porsche never disappoints when it comes to quality and performance. The Cayenne PHEV is no different. The entry-level Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid combines a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an electric motor (100 kW) to deliver 462 PS and 700 Nm torque.
The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and has a 253 km/h top speed (pure electric mode: 130 km/h). Of course, the other more expensive trims offer even superior performance. You get the point!
In terms of interior quality, features and technology, the plug-in electric SUV does not disappoint. The interior cabin is luxurious and finished to an exceedingly high standard and feature/ technology-filled, to include: park assist (front and rear), distance warning, reversing camera, 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a lot more.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Fantastic looking & stylish | Expensive. Cheaper PHEV SUV alternatives available |
Powerful and fast performance | Limited electric range |
Luxurious, comfortable & fun to drive | 7.2 kW on board charger not standard on all models |
The Porsche Cayenne PHEV SUV (credit:Porsche)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | SUV |
Engine: | Petrol/ Electric |
Available In Ireland: | Yes |
Variants (4 Options) |
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Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid (from € 96,669) |
Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe (from € 100,287) |
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid (from € 178,011) |
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe (from € 181,134) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs)/ 7.2 kW AC available as an upgrade option (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 92 – 71g (CO2/km) |
Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | € 2.10 |
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | € 2.78 |
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | € 2.87 |
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | € 3.14 |
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | € 3.37 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1696 |
Width (mm): | 1983 |
Length (mm): | 4918 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2895 |
Turning Circle (m): | 12.10 |
Boot Space (L): | 645 |
Cayenne E-Hybrid | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 40 – 43 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 26.5 – 25.1 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 3.7 – 3.1 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs)/ 7.2 kW AC available as an upgrade option (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 253 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.0 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Max Power (PS): | 462 (combined) |
Torque (Nm): | 700 (combined) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight EC (kg): | 2,370 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Cayenne E-Hybrid Coupe | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 40 – 43 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 26.5 – 25.4 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 3.7 – 3.2 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs)/ 7.2 kW AC available as an upgrade option (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 253 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 5.1 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Max Power (PS): | 462 (combined) |
Torque (Nm): | 700 (combined) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight EC (kg): | 2,370 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 38 – 40 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 25.9 – 25.3 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 4.0 – 3.8 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs)/ 7.2 kW AC available as an upgrade option (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 295 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 3.8 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Max Power (PS): | 680 (combined) |
Torque (Nm): | 900 (combined) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight EC (kg): | 2,370 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 17.9 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 38 – 40 km |
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 25.9 – 25.4 |
Fuel Consumption (l/100 km): | 4.1 – 3.8 |
Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW AC as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs)/ 7.2 kW AC available as an upgrade option (0% – 100%: 2 hrs) |
Top Speed: | 295 km/h |
0-100 km/h: | 3.8 seconds |
Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 100 |
Max Power (PS): | 680 (combined) |
Torque (Nm): | 900 (combined) |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Unladen Weight EC (kg): | 2,370 |
Colours: | 11 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
The Pros For Electric Cars
Pros: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
Lower air pollution: | One can never overestimate the negative impact of air pollution on the health of individuals, in particular, the vulnerable i.e. the children and the elderly. In Ireland, we have witnessed a significant increase in air pollution over the past decade, and yes, petrol and diesel tailpipe emissions have contributed to the worsening air quality across all our villages, towns and cities. Road transportation, though not the only source of pollutants, is a leading source, contributing up to 30%. Electric vehicles help reduce tailpipe emissions i.e. leading to improved air quality. Pure electric cars have no tailpipe, hence the expression ‘zero-tailpipe emissions’ or ‘zero-emissions’. PHEVs do have tailpipe emissions, given the hybrid nature of the vehicle (ICE and electric), but have far lower emissions than a conventional petrol or diesel car. Moreover, when a PHEV is driven on electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero! So bottom-line, both BEVs and PHEVs help improve air quality! |
Lower running costs: | It is a misconception that electric cars are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars. In fact, when electric cars costs are assessed on a life cycle basis, it is clear that EVs are cheaper to drive per km than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For a start, charging an EV battery can cost as little as 5 €, and in most cases less than 10 €. However, refuelling a tank of fuel can cost up to 120 € (if not more!). An EV costs between 5 and 10 cents per km to drive, significantly lower compared to the cost of driving a petrol or diesel car. |
Lower maintenance costs: | This is applicable only for BEVs. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) and therefore there is less that can go wrong i.e. lower maintenance costs. |
Lower risk of breakdown: | Given the fewer moving parts in an electric car, it is not surprising that EVs have a lower probability for a breakdown compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Most EV drivers have become astute at ‘topping up’ the EV battery on a regular basis to avoid the risk of being stranded due to an empty EV battery, one of the reasons for seeking breakdown assistance. |
Convenience of charging at home: | Convenience: an EV can be charged at the convenience of your own home or office (no need to visit a petrol station!). In fact, most EVs are charged overnight at home, when the energy prices are the cheapest! |
Lower energy price volatility: | EV charging costs have a lower price volatility and lower risk of price inflation, compared to petrol prices (petrol prices continue to negatively impact household finances as fuel prices increase). |
Solar panels can significantly reduce charging costs: | Residential solar panels can be used to lower the cost of charging. Using residential PV solar, the cost of generating and consuming electricity is nominal, if not free (apart from the upfront costs). Both residential and commercial solar installations (for business premises) are ways to hedge against energy price inflation and achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. |
Lower noise pollution: | In general, electric cars are silent with an in-built artificial noise generator primarily for pedestrian safety. The lower noise from EVs help improve the quality of our living environment, in particular, those living close to busy roads and thoroughfares. |
Instant torque: | Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) have better torque performance than internal combustion engines, hence the ‘torqueof the town’! If in doubt, look at a traffic light that has both these types of cars. As the signal changes to green, the electric car will quickly leave behind the diesel and petrol cars. The primary reason for the superior acceleration in electric cars, is that, electric vehicles deliver ‘peak or maximum torque’ instantaneously, producing immediate acceleration. However, petrol and diesel cars take time to reach maximum or peak torque. In particular, diesel cars are known for being sluggish. Bottom-line, the better torque performance of electric cars, further contributes to the ‘fun factor’ in driving EVs compared to conventional cars. |
Better for the environment: | Yes, apart from air pollution, in general, electric vehicles are better for the environment, given the lack of dependence on polluting fossil fuels. |
The Cons For Electric Cars
Cons: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
Retail prices expensive: | It is true, in that, EVs are still expensive in regards to the retail price, compared to an equivalent petrol/ diesel car. However, the past few years has witnessed a reduction in the prices for EVs, along with the emergence of many affordable EV models. Moreover, aspiring owners of EVs have been able to take advantage of public grants. In our view, as the EV sector continues to mature with increased manufacturing volumes, consumer will gain from the inevitable price reduction as a result of the increased economies of scale. Moreover, the best way to acquire a car, is usually through a competitive financing plan like a lease, contract hire etc, making the acquisition of an EV affordable for many. |
Limited DC charging infrastructure: | Though 80% of EV charging is done overnight at home, public EV charging infrastructure remains a focal point for debates and aspiring/ current owners of EVs. In Ireland the public EV charging network is growing (2,000 charging points, mostly in urban areas). However, we agree that rapid DC charging infrastructure still needs to be deployed more widespread, helping EV drivers achieve a 0% – 80% EV battery charge in under 30 minutes. |
Limited choice of EVs: | There is no doubt that there has been a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) that have been introduced over the past three years. However, the number of available pure electric cars are still limited in comparison to petrol and diesel vehicles. As global automotive manufacturers ramp-up the development and production of EVs, we expect the ‘consumer choice’ to widen significantly. |
Limited availability of used EVs: | Given the relatively nascent nature of the EV sector, it is not surprising that the used electric car market is still very small. We do expect the used EV marketplace to improve significantly in the coming years, giving aspiring EV owners a vast choice at competitive prices. |
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