Remember that all-electric Porsche concept? Well, it’s just been given a development codename, indicating development has officially begun.
The Porsche Mission E has been codenamed ‘J1’, according to an Autocar report, and will go on sale in 2020. Production was given the go-ahead in December 2015.
Like the Tesla Model S, which will be the Mission E’s closest rival, the Porsche has four doors and an all-electric powertrain that sits within a bespoke platform designed to accommodate a lithium-ion battery pack.
Two electric motors will feature, giving the Mission E a total of 600bhp. 0-62mph will take 3.5 seconds, 0-124mph in under 12 seconds and the range will be more than 300 miles, Porsche claims. A range-topping Tesla Model S P90D offers around the same range between charges.
By putting the battery between the rear axles and as low as possible, the weight is distributed evenly along the wheelbase and the centre of gravity is low. This should help it feel sporty, even though electric powertrains tend to be quite heavy.
Luckily there is plenty of lightweight carbon fibre to help undo some of the weight, in addition to various steels, aluminium and other materials.
A standout feature of the Porsche Mission E is its ability to be charged using inductive methods. This means you could recharge the car simply by parking it on an inductive charging plate installed in your garage, so there’s no need to plug it in.
On the subject of charging, the 800v system voltage means it can charge 80 per cent of the battery in as little as 15 minutes, while a short four-minute burst can increase the range by 60miles. So no waiting around for ages when you are tasked with getting some milk from the shop.
The man heading up development of the zero emissions Porsche is said to be Stefan Weckbach, the man behind development of the mighty Boxster, so we know it’s in good hands. Shame we have to wait three years before we can buy one.
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