Porsche Taycan Update Halves Level 2 Charging Times

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Porsche released a fairly impressive update for the Taycan EV this month, one that effectively halves the sport sedan’s charging time whilst using a Level 2 charger. 


Now that a meaningful number of people have purchased all-electric vehicles, we’re learning that diminished range and long charging times are the biggest obstacles EVs have to overcome. Based on numerous studies, including a very recent one conducted by J.D. Power, early adopters seem to enjoy that battery-driven vehicles can offer a more placid driving experience. At-home charging is also something that’s getting a lot of praise. But it’s being undermined by the lackluster charging infrastructure outside the home. 


In fact, the issue has become a serious problem in terms of U.S. adoption – with the J.D. Power study suggesting that consumer interest in EVs hasn’t improved over the last twelve months. While the outlet noted that other issues were certainly at play, namely elevated EV pricing and a sense among some that alternative energy vehicles are being foisted upon the public through government intervention, it cited charging/range as being the biggest hurdle for EVs. 


This is especially true for the Taycan, which has a maximum range of just 215 miles under the most idyllic of circumstances. While the vehicle’s initial draw was that it was the first dedicated electric vehicle offered by Porsche, its meager range has become a common criticism. Porsche has sought to counter this by reminding everyone that the Taycan is quite the performance machine (something made possible by its all-electric powertrain) and trying to draw focus on how quickly it can charge. 


This update seeks to literally drive that point home. 


Porsche’s Taycan has an onboard battery charger situated behind the frunk and there’s a new unit designed to replace the port that can just about halve Level 2 charging times when combined with Porsche’s latest AC home charger unit.


While the standard charger takes up to 9.5 hours to fully charge a Taycan equipped with the Performance Battery, the updated unit is alleged to bring that time down to just 4.8 hours. Vehicles equipped with the larger Performance Battery Plus can expect to see a full state of charge (using a Level 2 port) in 5.3 hours – down from 10.5 hours,


New owners can specify the new charging system in the build process by selecting the KB4 option in the configurator. But Porsche says the unit can also be retrofitted to older models (price TBD). It likewise suggested that it could become more efficient in the future thanks to the Wi-Fi connectivity embedded in Porsche’s proprietary wall charger. Of course, that’s ultimately going to be determined based on the limitations of the hardware. Though automakers will always promise you the moon when it comes to forward-looking statements. 


If you want the whole shebang, expect to shell out a healthy amount of dough to have your vehicle retrofitted for the new charger. But those buying a brand-new Taycan only need to drop another $1,850 (plus taxes) and an additional $1,500 for the wall-mounted charger. However, Porsche noted that the latter item needs to be “hard wired directly to a 100-amp circuit by a professional electrician for best performance,” meaning you’ll have to pay a little more if your home’s not already set up for higher loads.


[Image: Porsche]

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Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • Inside Looking Out Inside Looking Out on Dec 22, 2022

    If this feature is enabled by subscription then it makes a lot of sense for Porsche.

  • ToolGuy ToolGuy on Dec 23, 2022

    Charging more quickly on the road = more better.

    Charging more quickly at home = I don't care so much.* **

    *Given a vehicle with sufficient range

    **100 amps sustained at home doesn't thrill me (my electric range circuit breaker is 50 amps and as you know the heating element is intermittent in actual use)

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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