Electromobility is getting a posh step into the future if Porsche has its way. The luxury auto manufacturer is planning to offers its own fast-charing stations. This falls in the same vein as the Tesla Supercharger network and Rivian’s Colorado State Parks network, but takes the idea to a whole new level.
The Porsche network will complement the existing Ionity charging network in Europe. Ionity is a joint venture between the BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen Group.
To date, Ionity stations are housed in a number of locations thanks to partnerships with petrol station and convenience stores companies including Cespa, Avia, Apios, Circle K, and Shell. Each station features combined charging system (CCS) charging plugs and the ability to charge at a rate of up to 350 kilowatts. Each station is able to change AC power to DC and allow for pay-by-phone.
The Porsche Taycan can charge at a rate of 270 kilowatt-hours. That rate is quicker than a Tesla Model S can charge on its current U.S. Supercharger network. The forthcoming Taycan Cross Turismo is likely to have similar battery capacity and charging capability. In the U.S., charging on a 350-kilowatt-hour charger is typically more expensive than charging via a 150-kilowatt-hour charger.
Drivers can find the 400-ish Ionity stations (built or in progress) in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and France.
The Porsche charging stations will feature a unique design that showcases their luxury status to the world. Each will have between six and 12 charging ports. Self-service facilities will be available. Access will be controlled via smartphone. Porsche hasn’t revealed any more details about the lounges but it’s easy to see how they may include leather seats and minimalist modern design.
“An important prerequisite for electromobility is fast and convenient charging,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “That is why we are currently working on the details of a concept for our own fast-charging stations. We will select attractive locations for these in order to offer our customers the most comfortable and fastest long-distance travel experience possible.”
In addition to the new stations, Porsche is working with its dealer network to equip dealerships with 350 kilowatt fast-charging stations. More than 300 partners are already participating.
The Porsche Charging Service network has rapidly expanded since its introduction in 2020. Last January it has 100,000 chargers in 10 countries. Today, drivers of Porsche Taycan or other Porsche plug-in hybrid vehicles can currently charge their model free of charge at 135,000 chargers in 20 countries in Europe alone.
Additionally, the Porsche Destination Charging program installs charging stations at elected hotels, airports, museums, shopping malls, sports clubs and marinas. Those 2,000-ish locations allow Porsche drivers to charge for free. This network exists in Europe and is expanding outside the EU’s boundaries into other countries like Brazil.
Tesla Superchargers are located at similar types of locations in the U.S. However, Tesla owners are billed per kilowatt-hour or on a per minute basis. The cost of charging may vary depending on the time of day the charging is done.
Drivers can use the Porsche Charging Service app to find charging systems and start the charging process. It’s available for iOS and Android devices. Information is provided in real time.
To ensure secure service, app users are asked to authenticate their identity at the charging station using a QR code via the app or the Taycan Charging Card.
Porsche Charging Service has Porsche handle its billing. Centrally stored billing information allows Porsche to handle currency conversions and payments in one place, guaranteeing a standard price for Service users.
Despite all the charging station additions in the past few years, Porsche owners are not immune to feelings of range anxiety that electric vehicle owners in the U.S. experience. Press reports across Europe detail user heartaches upon arriving to a charging station only to find it closed, inoperable, or broken.
