Range anxiety is a universal problem that potential electric vehicle buyers experience. Unfortunately, Porsche Taycan fell short in the 2020 and 2021 models with a 280 range, which is pretty decent, but still inferior to the Tesla Model S 405 range. Luckily, there is hope for Porsche Taycan owners.
A Porsche Taycan battery can be upgraded with a powertrain and thermal management software update. The battery pack remains the same, but the upgrade limits energy loss with better thermal control. The powertrain updates reduce frictional drag losses, resulting in greater range and faster charging.
With the release of the 2023 model, Porsche Taycan’s updates are in the offing. I’ll discuss some of the updates you should expect for the 2020 and 2021 models and how they will boost performance.
How the Porsche Taycan’s Upgrades Increase Its Battery Range
In 2021, the Porsche Taycan sold 41,296 units globally, beating the Porsche 911 (38,464). The sales were double those the previous year, indicating that Taycan is taking over the market despite its lower range when compared to Tesla Model S.
In this video, Porsche‘s representative emphasizes that performance was a priority when they were designing their first all-electric car. This is evident because the range has been a cause of concern, especially in the US, where buyers compare Taycan with Tesla.
However, what the Taycan lacks in range, it makes up for in its performance.
Fortunately, Porsche has taken steps to ensure the 2020 and 2021 models are updated to the 2023 model specs.
Porsche Taycan has been drawn to an imaginary fight with Tesla’s Model S over which car is superior. Porsche’s 800-volt system allows for faster charging and discharging. Unfortunately, the 280-mile range is still a pain that Porsche seeks to remedy.
Instead of adding more battery cells, which would make the car heavier, Porsche has opted for software updates to boost battery performance.
In a bid to increase the battery’s range, Porsche has taken the following steps.
Battery Cooling and Heating System
Porsche has introduced new software that limits energy loss when the battery is heating and cooling. This software package benefits Taycans fitted with the 71.0kWh (performance battery) and 83.7kWh (performance battery plus) pack.
This feature is standard for the 2023 model. However, the upgrade is available for the 2020 and 2021 models. The software update allows for the faster preconditioning of batteries to a higher temperature. This means the battery will quickly get to the maximum 270kWh charge thanks to fast DC charging speeds.
Powertrain
The new upgrades will add approximately 31 miles of range. This increase is partly due to a reduction in the frictional drag loss. Porsche has two electric motors, one for the front axle and another for the rear axle. Both axles don’t use torque when coasting and braking.
According to Porsche, the front electric motor will stop using power when drivers use the “Normal” or “Range” modes in the all-wheel drive models. This helps to conserve energy, leaving you with more range. The updated AWD (All-wheel-drive) dashboard shows the energy flow.
Better Thermal Management
The new upgrades also improve the battery’s performance in extreme temperatures. Your older Taycan model will charge faster, even when the temperature is low. Not only will your Taycan charge faster, but it will discharge just as quickly, resulting in better performance. You will also have more range.
Energy Recuperation
Porsche has also introduced an energy recuperation strategy. The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system and the electromagnetic brake booster ensure that the brake pedal maintains the same pressure point, saving brake energy. This saving contributes to the extra range.
How To Get Porsche Taycan’s Upgrades
Porsche has announced features in the 2023 Porsche Taycan. According to Edmunds, some of the features that stand out in the new models include:
- Increased range (an extra 31 miles/50 kilometers)
- Faster charging.
- A new touchscreen layout.
- Changes in standard and optional features
The free upgrade is available at all Porsche dealerships. The first Porsche Taycan model, 2020, is said to undergo a more comprehensive upgrade to the standard of the 2023 model.
The 2021 and 2022 models will also have some upgrades, but not as extensive as those on the 2020 model.
Porsche Taycan owners will be alerted when the 2023 software updates are available. They’ll be able to go to dealerships and service centers for an upgrade.
Here are some of the upgrades for older Taycan models.
| Taycan Upgrades | Models | Impact |
Thermal Management | 2020 and 2021 | Rapid charging. Greater range. Shorter charging times. |
| Porsche Communication Management (PCM) Porsche Connect | 2020 and 2021 | Colorful tile design. Ease of use. Optimized voice control. Wireless Android Auto. Spotify app integration. Revised user interface. |
| 2021 and 2022 | Updated Head-up display. Optimized view of navigation map. Expanded display features. | |
| Assistance Systems | 2020 and 2021 | Enhanced ParkAssist sensors covering a greater range. Suggestions for smaller parking spaces |
| Function on demand (FOD) | 2020 and 2021 | Keyless opening function. |
Unfortunately, unlike most EV software updates, including those by Porsche, this update is not done over the air (OTA). Porsche is not offering this option because the scope of work is too large to be done using OTA transmission.
The updates also affect many systems simultaneously, and Porsche wants to ensure that all the upgrades are done correctly.
Porsche also offers to install a 22kW onboard charger on older Taycan models at a fee. This charger can be fitted when the car undergoes a software update. This also boosts charging speeds. Once fitted, the Plug and Charge function is activated.
