Porsche has made history in Southeast Asia by becoming the first brand to set the regional record for the fastest single journey in an EV. This feat was achieved by 3 drivers i.e. journalists Pholpat Salayakanond
from Thailand, Pan Eu Jin from Malaysia and Desmond Chan from Singapore, who made the trip from Thailand to Singapore with a Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo.
This record-setting trip was aided by the Shell Recharge High Performance Charging (HPC) network which is implemented by Shell in collaboration with Porsche using ABB-supplied chargers. Shell’s HPC network through the 3 ASEAN countries allows for seamless fast charging connectivity for cross-country driving.
The Taycan is Porsche’s first battery electric vehicle, and the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo used for the trip was dressed in the brand’s 75th anniversary livery and shod in high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, critically-acclaimed for its handling reactivity and excellent braking performance in any situation for optimum safety. Michelin had engineered bespoke tyre specifications that perfectly complement the performance capabilities of a Porsche. These tyres are designed to enhance the driving experience by providing optimal grip, stability, and control, even under the most demanding driving conditions.
Meanwhile, timestamps taken along the way were authenticated by official timekeeper TAG Heuer, the Swiss luxury watchmaker which has deep ties with motor racing. Moreover, all 3 drivers’ wore an additional timekeeping companion i.e. the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 and TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Porsche Edition smartwatch. The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Porsche Edition is inspired by the all-electric Porsche Taycan, along with bespoke connectivity features developed exclusively for owners of Porsche cars, in addition to the wide range of sport apps already offered in TAG Heuer’s proprietary digital ecosystem. With precision-driven performance, this smartwatch also kept track of the Taycan by displaying a glimpse of the car battery level and remaining range, making calculations an intuitive experience for this journey.
“Since we first introduced the all-electric sports car in 2020, the Porsche Taycan has been well-received with growing demand from EV sports car fans in Malaysia. Together with Porsche Singapore and Porsche Thailand, we are pleased to spearhead the first cross-border EV drive across three countries – Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, proving that seamless long-distance travel in an EV is now a reality,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
The “Taycan Record Run” trio drove in shifts over a gruelling 1,845-kilometre route, stopping only for short charging intervals along the way. Throughout their journey, the Shell Recharge HPC network and its 180 – 360 kW ABB chargers provided convenient operation and ultra-rapid charging speeds. Thanks to the Porsche Taycan’s unique 800V charging architecture, each charging interval taken on this route lasted no more than 25 minutes on average. All in, this journey was completed in an official record time of 29 hours and 15 minutes (certified by both the Singapore and Malaysia Book of Records).
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, with over 145 years of history, was the welcome site for the event, though the drive officially kicked off from the Shell Recharge station at Bang Yai in the outskirts of Bangkok, after topping up with ABB’s fastest 360 kW DC charger. Following a free software update in 2022, the Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, with Performance Battery Plus, benefits from an improved WLTP-rated electric range of up to 512 kilometres courtesy of innovative thermal energy management, selective front electric motor de-coupling and improved recuperation strategies.
Along the way, the car was kept within all prevailing speed limits so as not to invalidate the record nor increase the drain on the car’s battery. No additional charging benefits were accorded to the participants on this record run, and the 3 journalists made use of the existing special benefits accorded to all Porsche owners on the Shell Recharge HPC network, reserving their next chargers up to 60 minutes ahead of their arrival.
When the trio made it across the border, Porsche Malaysia staff and TAG Heuer officials were on hand at Porsche Centre Penang to certify the mid-point time: 17 hours and 55 minutes had elapsed since the trio emerged from the Shell station in Bang Yai.
Porsche Centre Penang had recently upgraded with twin-175 kW DC chargers, bringing it up to 350 kW. Here, the Taycan managed to go from 5% to 80% state-of-charge (SoC) in less than 23 minutes. Mr. Hunter shared, “Pioneering the future of electromobility since the introduction of the first Porsche Taycan in Malaysia, all Porsche Centres nationwide are now equipped with up to 350 kW high performance charging to enhance overall EV ownership experiences. Porsche Centre Penang is also the forefront renewable energy use, with a recently installed Solar Power Carport that supports in powering the facility.”
After another charging stop at the Shell Recharge Tapah south-bound lay-by, the Taycan made its silent journey down the Malaysian peninsula. The trio topped up for the last time at the Shell Recharge Tangkak south-bound charging station in the state of Johor, their last stop before heading into Singapore.
The trio made it past the Malaysia-Singapore border early on Wednesday morning, despite an administrative challenge at the Tuas checkpoint, thanks to a back-up Taycan Cross Turismo that was activated. Finally at 10:15 AM, the Taycan pulled up to the finishing line – the SG50 Lattice structure within the picturesque grounds at Gardens by the Bay and had the timing sheets authenticated.
“ABB E-mobility is proud to collaborate with Porsche and Shell Recharge in this Record Run. This event is a great platform to showcase the ever-growing possibilities for electrification journeys, leading to net zero emissions and a more sustainable future. The Taycan Record Run also demonstrates how EV charging experience can be user-friendly and most importantly, safe for EV drivers,” commented Wee Jin Lee, Region Lead Asia Pacific, ABB E-Mobility.
Representatives from the Singapore Book of Records, Porsche Singapore and Shell handed certificates to the 3 drivers, officially confirming that they had completed the fastest single journey in an EV from Thailand to Singapore. The Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo and its 3 drivers are now pioneers in the history books.
Keyword: Porsche Makes History With Regional Record For Fastest Single Journey In An EV