Porsche Shows High-Powered EV Concept

Porsche AG unveiled a futuristic, all-electric sports car concept today at the Frankfurt auto show. Media reports say the concept, dubbed the Mission E, is a preview of an all-new EV that Porsche is expected to launch by the end of the decade.

The high-powered Mission E sedan features a pair of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), regenerative braking, lithium-ion batteries, all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and all-wheel steering. The system generates 600 hp and can rocket the vehicle to 62 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and 104 mph in under 12 seconds. These performance levels are repeatable without any drop off over time, according to Porsche, which says other EVs tend to lose some of their oomph as they age.

The PMSM system is similar to that used in Porsche's 919 hybrid electric race cars, which captured the top two spots at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France.

Porsche estimates the car will have a 310-mile driving range. The company didn't provide any details about the batteries but says the car's 800-volt charging system can replenish as much as 80% of the pack's capacity enough for 250 miles in 15 minutes, which Porsche claims is an industry best. In addition to shorter charging times, the high-volt system also enables smaller gage copper cables to be used to help reduce weight and provide greater packaging flexibility.

The car also can be plugged into a 400-volt port or use a wireless inductive charging system that enables the car to be charged when it's parked over a charging pad.

The Mission E's lithium-ion batteries are positioned low in the chassis, running between the front and rear axles, to provide a lower center of gravity and improved weight distribution.

With a body made from a mix of aluminum, steel and carbon fiber reinforced polymer, the car has a curb weight of 4,400 lbs. Its coupe-like styling is reminiscent of the 918 Spyder and Porsche race cars. Features include counter-opening rear doors that eliminate traditional B pillars, and side-mounted cameras that replace traditional rearview mirrors to enhance aerodynamics.

The interior features organic-light-emitting-diode display screens, holographic instruments and gesture controls. An eye-tracking system detects the driver's seating position and where he or she is looking, then optimizes control functionality and moves the readout so it's never blocked by the steering wheel. Relevant information such as vehicle speed is always within the driver's line of sight.

A camera mounted in the interior rearview mirror is designed to detect a driver's mood, and a corresponding emoticon is displayed in the car's instruments. Motorists also can share the emoticon and information about their trip with friends via social media.