X

Porsche Taycan's estimated electric range trails Tesla Model S

Porsche poured some cold water on the EPA estimate, however.

2020 Porsche Taycan 4S
Enlarge Image
2020 Porsche Taycan 4S

Taycan owners can take advantage of 800-volt chargers, too.

Porsche

The Porsche Taycan Turbo will go 201 miles on a full charge with its 93.4 kilowatt-hour battery, according to the EPA's estimates published on Wednesday. That, Roadshow readers, gives Tesla faithful new ammunition in the battle between newcomer Taycan and the Model S, whose EPA figures are much more favorable.

Porsche , however, sought to downplay the low estimate from the federal government. In a statement, the company said it believes "real-world range is the more important figure." Essentially, Porsche is saying the EPA's tests aren't indicative of how Taycan drivers will drive their car.

"As a brand, we tend to be conservative with all of our performance figures," a representative added. Like any car, EPA ratings aren't blanket statements, but a good measure of a vehicle's efficiency. As they say, your mileage may vary. In this case, it'll probably be for the better.

2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo brings concept style to the streets

See all photos

201 miles isn't that impressive a figure -- a number of other electric vehicles boast higher estimated figures. Aside from Tesla, the Jaguar I-Pace is rated for 243 miles of range currently. A more affordable option, the Chevy Bolt will go 259 miles.

Looking back to the Tesla Model S, its two variants do far better in EPA testing. The Long Range goes a whopping 373 miles and the Model S Performance on 19-inch wheels will go 348 miles. Both use a 100 kWh battery.

To boost its claims, Porsche went to the trouble of commissioning an independent study of the electric sedan's range. The study, conducted by AMCI, found the Taycan went 275 miles on a single charge in its normal driving mode. In its more frugal "Range mode," it went 288 miles in the city. Those are far better figures, and certainly lend to Porsche's argument on valuing "real-world range," but at the end of the day, it's the 201-mile figure that'll be on the Taycan's window sticker.

When it comes to miles per gallon equivalent, the Taycan is also estimated to be far less efficient with the battery's juice compared to other EVs. It's rated at 69 MPGe combined compared to 104 MPGe combined from the least efficient Model S, that being the Performance model.

Where Porsche will more than likely make up some ground in EPA estimates will be with the Taycan 4S. It'll be less powerful with a 79.2 kWh battery and will offer a performance-battery option, which may lead to a higher range than the Turbo model. The Turbo and Turbo S models will be the first Taycans on sale, with the first deliveries scheduled by the end of this year in the US.

Watch this: Taycan is a great first all-electric car from Porsche, but it's far from perfect

Originally published Dec. 11, 11:47 a.m. PT.
Update, 1:38 p.m.: Adds information on the AMCI study.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on December 11, 2019 at 1:39 PM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.