Porsche Rolls Outs RWD Electric Taycan for China

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

When Porsche introduced the all-electric Taycan, the automaker's goal was simple: make an electric sports car with blistering performance. Porsche set its sights on beating the Tesla Model S. While the two can throw punches all day against one another, there's one thing Porsche hasn't fixed yet, and that's the Taycan's pricing.


The Taycan Turbo S starts at $185,000, the Turbo costs $150,900, and the recently introduced 4S is the cheapest option with a price tag of $103,800. Unfortunately, these prices are way higher than the Model S, which can reach $94,990. That's where the rear-wheel-drive Taycan that we heard about this April would become important.


Affordable, RWD Taycan Announced


Porsche's held up its promise by introducing a new, more affordable variant of the Taycan with rear-wheel drive. At the moment, it's only being pitched for the Chinese market, though the automaker is considering the prospect of bringing it to the U.S.


Unlike the regular Taycan, this new rear-wheel-drive version comes with a single electric motor that powers the rear wheels. A two-speed transmission and two battery packs will be offered for the vehicle. The standard 79.2-kWh Performance Battery brings an electric motor that produces 402 horsepower. The available 93.4-kWh Performance Battery Plus raises output to 469 hp. These figures, though, are when launch control are engaged. In regular driving, the electric motor produces 322 hp and 375 hp, respectively. Porsche's claiming a zero-to-62 mph time of 5.4 seconds with either battery.


Standard features on the rear-wheel-drive Taycan will include adjustable dampers, LED headlights, and 19-inch wheels. Air suspension, larger wheels, and a color head-up display are offered as options.


Will It Come To The U.S.?


According to Electrek, the vehicle has a range of roughly 257 miles with the Performance Battery Pack and 303 miles with the Performance Battery Plus. Those figures, though, are according to the NEDC, which is more lenient than the EPA. If the vehicle ever does come to the U.S., we wouldn't be surprised to see more range from the rear-wheel-drive models compared to the Taycan 4S. Though that vehicle doesn't have an official range from the EPA either.


When it comes to charging, Taycan drivers will get an 11-kW charger as standard, with a 22-kW charger being offered as an option.


Pricing is a mystery. But if Porsche really wants to have a vehicle that's a direct competitor to the Model S, it will have to be priced below $100,000. Porsche doesn't have any information on whether the rear-wheel-drive Taycan will come to the U.S., but this seems like it would be a popular vehicle. For consumers that live in states that don't get inclement weather and don't need all-wheel drive and would rather have more range, this would be a great way to get into an affordable EV from Porsche. Here's to hoping the vehicle comes to America.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods