While Tesla chases volume, Porsche strives for exclusivity.
The Porsche Taycan marks the beginning of a larger effort to electrify the German marque. This movement includes multiple models such as the Taycan Cross Turismo which will be available next year, a pure battery-powered Macan SUV and an electric 718. It’s easy to see how Tesla is being compared to all these EVs, but Porsche insists that the small EV maker has no competition.
Interview with Automotive News: Porsche R&D boss Michael Steiner said that he does not consider Tesla to be a threat. Tesla, however, is not targeting the volume model like Porsche. Steiner points out that Tesla is “targeting the volume model” and has a number of mass-market vehicles, such as the Model 3. This implies that Porsche will never be able to compete in this segment.
Steiner states, “Although people love to play us off against one another, we don’t consider Tesla to be an direct competitor.” “With the Model 3, it is clear that they are more aggressively targeting volume segments. ”
It is clear from the Taycan’s prices that Porsche doesn’t want to follow Tesla’s mass-market approach, at least not yet. The base Taycan costs $103,800 in the USA, while the Turbo and Turbo S models are $180,000 and $150,900, respectively. The Model 3 costs Tesla $39,990, while the Model S, which is the closest competitor, starts at $79,990.
Porsche isn’t following Tesla in terms of range and battery tech. Steiner says that Porsche is content not being the best in range. According to the EPA, the longest-range Taycan can travel just 201 miles, whereas the Long Range Model S of Tesla can go up to 373. Porsche instead promises lighter, faster-recharging batteries.
“We don’t think the high battery capacities found in a Model S are sustainable. We prefer lighter, lighter and more cost-effective batteries that can be charged quickly. We don’t aim to be the market leader in electric range.