Some interesting (and good) news on two fronts for Porsche EV drivers today, as the German manufacturer announced plans to release inductive – read, “wireless” – charging for their vehicles as well as an agreement to access the Tesla Supercharger network for owners and prospective owners alike.
“(With inductive charging), charging an electric car has never been so easy and convenient,” said Michael Steiner, Porsche Board member for development. He also listed ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure — all issues that wireless charging aims to help address — as decisive factors for folks considering an electric vehicle.
Porsche drivers in the US do approximately 83 per cent of their charging at home, so installing the 117-centimetre long charge plate on the floor of their outdoor or indoor parking area is a relatively turn-key affair.
Of course, in order for wireless charging to work the item that needs to be charged – ergo, the car – needs to be able to accept a wireless charge. At this juncture, it’s not a retro-fittable affair so the forthcoming Cayenne Electric will be the only Porsche currently able to make use of the tech, and only in Europe for the time being; other markets will follow. It will be available with an optional wireless charge pad attached to its underbody and the ability to lower itself the few CM required for contact. Additionally, to help drivers better “find” the charge pad, the Cayenne’s 360-degree parking camera gets special additional views. The wireless charge pad charges at up to 11 kW, and is able to charge 90 per cent more efficiently as well.
Help for traditional charging
Starting September 9, Porsche EV customers will have access to 23,500 Tesla Superchargers in North America. In order to do so, Porsche EV owners will have to procure a NACS adapter ($250, or free for owners of 2025 model year vehicles), available to all Porsche EV customers and coming as standard with every 2026 Macan Electric and Taycan sold. They will then be able to hook up to a compatible Supercharger, but it is a soft launch in that support for the My Porsche app hasn’t arrived just yet. Drivers will have to manually monitor their charge progress. Customers will, however, have to register with the Tesla app in order to use the network.