The Porsche Panamera Plug-In Hybrid Saloon: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

For those keen on an overview of the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and the different types of electric vehicles (EVs), simply scroll down to the end of the article!

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The Porsche Panamera Plug-In Hybrid Saloon

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Stuttgart based Porsche is known for high-performance cars and is currently owned by the Volkswagen Group. Porsche has always had a close relationship with the Volkswagen Group, because the iconic VW Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche.

Apart from this, both VW and Porsche have collaborated on a number of platforms, to include, the Porsche Cayenne SUV. Porsche currently has the following electric vehicles (EVs) in its portfolio:

• The all-electric Porsche Taycan
• The Panamera E plug-in hybrid
• The Cayenne E plug-in hybrid

The Porsche Panamera luxury saloon was unveiled in 2009 at the Auto Shanghai International Automobile Show. Production began the same year in Germany and the Panamera continues to be manufactured in the country. The hybrid variant was launched in 2011, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant released in 2013.

The PHEV was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. The luxurious Panamera is available as a saloon and estate (Sport Turismo) body style plug-in hybrid. This article covers the saloon PHEV.

Porsche cars do not come cheap, however, with the incorporation of an electric motor and an onboard EV charger, the cost of motoring can be reduced by leveraging the benefits of zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Driving on pure electric mode, costs substantially lower, compared to using the internal combustion engine (ICE).

The Panamera saloon plug-in hybrid has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery with an electric range up to 56 km (WLTP certified). However, the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather and road condition etc. Assuming a 45 km emission-free electric range is more realistic, which will be sufficient for most shorter commutes. The EV also has regenerative braking to increase the electric range.

If your driving is predominantly motorway and long-distances, it would be a challenge to leverage the benefits of zero-tailpipe emission electric driving with this PHEV. However, if the majority of your travel is shorter distances (work, school-runs, grocery store, high street etc), then the e-mode will certainly prove to be useful in saving money.

Porsche claims a fuel economy up to 2.0 l/100km. But achieving this will require using the onboard electric motor, powered by the EV battery, on a regular basis. As is the case with the real-world pure electric range, expect the real-world fuel economy to be less efficient than the manufacturer claimed figures.

The Panamera saloon PHEV is not capable of DC charging, which given the price tag is a pity. Of course, not all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are DC charging compatible, but a number of PHEVs do offer DC charging capability. Also surprisingly, not all Panamera PHEVs come with a 7.2 kW onboard charger as standard i.e. only the more expensive trims. Again, this is disappointing given the price tag.

The entry-level models have a 3.6 kW onboard charger (0% – 100%: 4 hours). For the upgraded 7.2 kW onboard charger, a full charge will take 2 hours. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN socket for charging an electric car. The best way to charge an EV at home, is via a dedicated home EV charging station like easee, faster and safer for EV charging! Porsche offers a warranty up to 8 years or 160,000 km.

In terms of driving performance, the Panamera PHEV is what you would expect from a high-end premium automotive brand like Porsche. It simply does not disappoint. The Panamera electric car combines a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor (100 kW), delivering a 462 PS combined output and 700 Nm maximum torque. The all-wheel drive Panamera PHEV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, with a 280 km/h top speed (pure electric mode: 140 km/h).

The electric vehicle (EV) is without an iota of doubt, stunning in design, style and interior quality. The PHEV offers a high level of driver assist features (park assist, lane keeping assist etc) and is technology-laden. Though a conventional saloon has more space to offer, despite the placement of the onboard EV battery, practicality is reasonable. The PHEV offers a boot space up to 403 L.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 57g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional combustion engine variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Fantastic looking, stylish and high cabin quality	Expensive. Cheaper PHEV alternatives available
Powerful, fast and exhilarating performance	Not capable of DC charging. 7.2 kW onboard charger does not come as standard
Luxurious, comfortable & fun to drive	Alternative PHEVs can offer more attractive fuel economy and electric range

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The Porsche Panamera PHEV Saloon (credit:Porsche)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:	Saloon
Engine:	Petrol/ Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (from Rs 2.75 Crs)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs). For upgraded 7.2 kW AC onboard charger (0% – 100%: 2 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	45 – 57g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1423
Width (mm):	1937
Length (mm):	5049
Wheelbase (mm):	2950
Turning Circle (m):	11.9
Boot Space (L):	403

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Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	49 – 56 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	24.4 – 22.6
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	2.0 – 2.5
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 3.6 kW as standard (0% – 100%: 4 hrs). For upgraded 7.2 kW AC onboard charger (0% – 100%: 2 hrs)
Top Speed:	280 km/h (electric mode: 140 km/h)
0-100 km/h:	4.2 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	100
Max Power (PS):	462 (combined)
Torque (Nm):	700 (combined)
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	4
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight EC (kg):	2,285
Colours:	17
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians.

As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine.

With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV.

Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars.

MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe.

It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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