Cayenne Electric prototype hits the hill, shows off power and practicality

As the automotive industry continues to grow with newer, better car models, Porsche has just displayed its camouflaged Cayenne Electric prototype in its full glory – at least where power and practicality matter – on a record-gathering mission.

Indeed, as worldwide testing of the new Porsche Cayenne continues in full swing, the popular luxury carmaker’s second all-electric SUV has offered a glimpse of its high levels of everyday usability, long-distance comfort, and off-road sustainability, per a press release from July 7.

At a historic location of Shelsley Walsh hill climb, which has been operating since 1905 and is one of the oldest motorsport events in the world, the near-production Cayenne Electric prototype took part in a filming project, demonstrating its all-electric, high-performance potential.

Cayenne Electric and its strengths

Specifically, the Cayenne Electric features Porsche Active Ride, which Porsche will offer in the SUV in the future, its active chassis keeps the body level at all times, including in dynamic braking, steering, and acceleration, while a balanced distribution of wheel loads guarantees an optimal connection to the road.

According to Michael Schätzle, Vice President of the Product Line Cayenne, “Porsche Active Ride significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort in the new Cayenne.” It’s also robust in terms of its body, drive, and the thermal management of its high-voltage system.

Furthermore, it’s one of the first battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the world to have a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes (7,716 lbs) and to receive the corresponding approval, exactly like its current, combustion-engined counterpart.

Gabriela Jílková, a simulator and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, drove the Cayenne Electric up the asphalt hill, through roads just 3.5 meters (11.48 feet) wide in some places, with a steep gradient of up to 16.7% and totaling 1,000 yards (914 meters, 0.57 miles) in length.

Commenting on the experience, she said:

“The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes. (…) There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times.”

Cayenne Electric ‘brakes’ records

The prototype made the record time of 31.28 seconds to finish the hill, as well as passed the first measuring point at 60 feet (18.3 meters) beyond the starting line after only 1.94 seconds – a feat reserved just for single-seater racing cars with slick tires developed specifically for this purpose – and which Cayenne Electric achieved on conventional summer tires.

On top of that, the SUV had no problems transporting a classic car over 100 years old and weighing more than 2 tonnes (4,409 lbs) from the British TV presenter Richard Hammond’s workshop in Hereford to his garage as part of a film shoot. 

Meanwhile, Porsche has developed a new AC battery for electric vehicles that brings all the various components, such as a high-voltage battery with the battery management system, power electronics for controlling the electric motor, and an onboard charger, into one simple yet comprehensive platform.

Featured image courtesy of Porsche website.