Originally published on EV Obsession.
The Porsche Mission E is a planned production electric vehicle that’s currently expected to be released around 2020. The model features quite a distinct look, perhaps a bit of a departure from some of Porsche’s better known models.
Why the look? What went into the design process of the upcoming electric vehicle (a concept version of the Porsche Mission E was debuted at last year’s 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show)? Some insight into these questions is provided by a video that was recently released by the company (posted below). Enjoy.
In the video, some of the designers note that the intent was for the design to reflect the presence of an electric drivetrain in the model — while also drawing on the company’s substantial heritage and image.
Our sister site Gas 2 provides more:
The original drawings became clay models that Porsche management could review and comment on. That feedback led to subtle changes until a final design was agreed to. Then it was time to design the interior. For the sake of continuity, Porsche wanted it to feel familiar to drivers of its iconic 911, the sports car that has defined the company since it was introduced in 1963. But it had to be a cutting edge cabin, too. So they also included high tech features like gesture recognition and holographic displays.
AutoBlog says the Mission E all wheel drive powertrain makes 590 horsepower. Porsche promises a 311-mile range using the European testing method. Subtract about a third to convert that to US standards. Production is scheduled to begin in 2020. Porsche’s factory near Stuttgart will have to be substantially modified and updated in order to build the new car. One key to the decision to build the Mission E was an agreement by Porsche employees to restructure their contract with the company in order to make manufacturing the car commercially viable.
Porsche says it new electric sports car will have an 800 volt electrical system that can provide an 80% battery charge in just 15 minutes. Where drivers will find high power charging stations to make rapid charging possible remains unknown.
While the concept version of the Mission E featured camera systems in place of side mirrors, it seems unlikely that this design element will make it to production — so one can probably expect a somewhat higher drag coefficient than with the concept. Though perhaps by 2020 regulators will be more open to the decision to nix side mirrors?
Reprinted with permission.
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