One of the most efficient EVs is the Porsche Macan Electric. It outperformed the EPA estimate by 28 miles in a 70 mph range test, which is usually good news for any road trip. To top it all off, Porsche’s electric crossover can absorb 270 kilowatts from a strong enough DC fast charger, making it a charging beast.
However, what if you want to move a bit more quickly because you’re in a hurry? What if you set the cruise control at 80 mph instead of the commonly advised slower speed in order to travel farther? In order to determine the difference, InsideEVs contributor and State of Charge host Tom Moloughney conducted two different range tests on the New Jersey Turnpike with the same Porsche Macan Rear-Wheel Drive.
In a nutshell, it’s complicated. While there is some math involved in the lengthy response, the main conclusion is that the Macan EV makes it difficult to decide whether to drive more quickly or more slowly.
The 20-inch aero wheels on the Macan RWD had a range of 343 miles at 70 mph on a full charge, which translates to an average energy efficiency of 3.7 miles per kilowatt-hour. It averaged 3.0 miles per kWh at 80 mph and covered 284 miles on a full battery.
Like most EVs, that’s a significant decline. Generally speaking, the best approach to ensure the longest range on any road trip is to drive at 70 mph or less, especially if your battery is running low. After 70 mph, range sharply declines.
However, if you find a strong enough DC fast charger that can deliver 300 kW, it only takes 21 minutes to charge Porsche’s electric crossover from 10% to 80%, which is the usual charging range on a road trip.
Thus, a 14% increase in cruising speed led to a 17% decrease in range, or almost 59 miles. In the meantime, energy efficiency dropped by over 19% (0.7 miles/kWh).
However, here is how the Macan EV stands in terms of time. After three hours of driving at 70 mph, you will have travelled 210 miles. 240 miles will be covered in the same amount of time at 80 mph.
Since the Macan EV can top up quickly, the two cars would potentially meet on the road once the quicker EV finishes charging. In the meantime, it will take 26 minutes to go the final 30 miles at 70 mph. However, the slower car’s range would still be 100 miles, and because it would be using less electricity, the expenses would also be reduced.
The Macan EV will perform admirably if you enjoy driving more quickly, but like all EVs, filling up will cost more. However, the adage “going slower will get you farther” will become obsolete as more fuel-efficient and quick-charging vehicles become available.
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