UNIVERSAL CHARGER LETS USERS “FUEL UP” WITH ELECTRICITY AT HOME OR ON THE ROAD
May 7, 2013. Stuttgart. Porsche is implementing an integrated and universal solution that is unique worldwide in conjunction with the Panamera S E Hybrid – the first plug-in hybrid in its class – which celebrated its world premiere at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. This solution covers all aspects of electric driving – from charging accessories to installation of infrastructure and operation by smartphone.
Seamless and comprehensive e-mobility strategy for E-Hybrid customers
Certain system parameters vary by country and region, such as the plug and electrical output types and grid voltages and frequencies. Porsche has now developed an integrated and comprehensive solution that covers all markets for the Panamera S E-Hybrid – a world car that will be driven on all continents. In its e-mobility solution, the company has put together a complete package from which customers can choose what they need. Playing a key role here is the specially developed Porsche Universal Charger (AC) which is included as standard. It produces the connection between the vehicle’s charging interface and many different types of electrical outlets which supply the car with AC electricity at home or on the road. Along with the charging equipment, the e-mobility concept also includes customised solutions for installing a charging infrastructure and conveniently operating vehicle charging and convenience functions via a smartphone app.
E-mobility: charging options for all major countries of the world
In a consulting meeting, the customer receives all key information on operating the new hybrid vehicle. The primary focus is on the power supply system for a home charging system, which is supplied as standard. This system can be connected to a household electrical outlet that has at least ten amperes current fuse protection or to a multi-pole industrial electrical outlet. If such an infrastructure is unavailable, Porsche centres recommend hiring a TÜV Rheinland certified electrician who can check or set up the necessary connections anywhere in the world.
Even before delivery of the hybrid vehicle, the company can supply the customer with a wall-mounted charging dock that is part of the standard equipment. Housed in a high-end box by Porsche Design are the mobile Porsche Universal Charger (AC) with the charging cable, control unit and vehicle cable. The customer can choose from over 20 different charging cable versions which cover nearly all of the world’s standardised plug connection types. Standard charging cables include one cable for the desired type of household electrical outlet and one for a selected industrial-type outlet. All other versions are available as options. For example, a mode 3 charging cable can be supplied for charging at public charging stations. The charging cable and vehicle cable are interconnected by a plug connector with the control unit, and the driver can interchange these cables easily, quickly and safely. For example, the driver might take an optional cable along on regular trips to another country. Porsche also offers the option of a free-standing charging pedestal assembly that could serve as an electric charging station for carports or a company’s parking spaces.
Porsche Car Connect: Convenient app controls auxiliary climate control
In the new plug-in hybrid, Porsche is also offering the convenience of remote control of vehicle functions via a smartphone app under the name Porsche Car Connect. The associated e-mobility services are provided for five years free-of-charge. The driver can use the smartphone app to access key vehicle information and to control vehicle functions.
The app is organised into four menu areas: charge status overview, driving range management, charging timer and optional remote control of auxiliary climate control.
Along with the battery charging status and remaining charging time, the current driving range is shown for both all-electric and combustion engine driving modes. The electric driving range is intuitively visualised on a navigation map here. The charging timer function lets users input up to three different departure times. The system controls the charging process based on these timer inputs, so that the battery is charged as protectively and cost-optimally as possible.
Electrification of the climate control system enables another very convenient option in the plug-in hybrid: auxiliary climate control. The climate control system can be activated via the charging timer, so that the interior reaches the prescribed temperature by a specified departure time. The vehicle interior is heated or cooled accordingly. In the winter, a high-voltage auxiliary heater is also used to generate heating power electrically. Auxiliary climate control is possible when the charging cable is connected or when the vehicle is just powered by the battery.
First plug-in hybrid in its class: 0.0 litres for up to 36 km
In launching the second generation of the Gran Turismo, Porsche is introducing the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to the luxury class: The Panamera S E-Hybrid produces a system power of 416 PS and surpasses the driving performance data of the previous model considerably. In addition, the previous car’s NEDC* fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100 km was reduced 56 per cent to 3.1 l/100 km. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 71 g/km. Simultaneously, electrical performance was substantially improved with regard to electric acceleration, electric driving range and electric top speed. The electric driving range of the Panamera S E-Hybrid was determined to be 36 kilometres in the NEDC. However, since NEDC testing includes such conditions as shutting off the air conditioning and heating, the actual range in real operation could vary from this standardised value.
A realistic electric range in everyday driving would be between 18 and 36 kilometres – even longer distances could be covered under especially favourable conditions. In all-electric mode, the sporty Gran Turismo with the new plug-in drive system can be driven up to a speed of 135 km/h. Its top speed is 270 km/h.
* NEDC stands for the New European Driving Cycle
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Text and photographs by: Porsche
