“Eco-friendly SUV” might sound like an oxymoron—especially when you add the word “luxury” to the mix. Up until recently, those terms didn’t go together. But, as a result of new developments in car technology, Porsche has added its first plug-in hybrid to its 2015 Cayenne line-up.
This model year, Porsche’s SUV line-up includes the Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. While each model boasts impressive performance and comfort, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid and its plug-in technology is what reviewers and car experts are talking about most.
If you plan on pursuing an auto career, read on to learn what industry pros have got to say about this ground-breaking new hybrid.
A Breakthrough in Auto Technology
While the S E-Hybrid isn’t the first Cayenne hybrid model, it’s the first that can be plugged in. It comes with a universal charger that can be used on the road or right at home—once an electrician has installed an industrial socket and the charging dock that comes with the hybrid model. Through this new cutting edge auto technology, the 10.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged in approximately two and a half to three hours.
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid also uses other hybrid technology like regenerative braking. Car repair experts know that this allows the SUV to use the energy created from braking to recharge its battery. Drivers can also re-charge the battery with the help of the engine by pressing the E-Charge button.
In total, the Cayenne S E-Hybrid offers approximately 35km of pure-electric driving range, and an EPA combined rating of 12.8 litres/100km.
The Cayenne S E-Hybrid up Close
Students enrolled in automotive courses might question whether or not the vehicle’s performance is affected by the hybrid technology. However, while the top speed of the S E-Hybrid in all-electric mode is about 125 km/h (compared to the combined system output mode of 243 km/h), the overall performance of the S E-Hybrid is not hugely affected by its greener technology. Impressively, it can go from zero to 97km in 5.4 seconds – just 0.3 seconds longer than the Cayenne S model.
Check out this video to see the 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid in action:
The Future of Auto Technology
While this Cayenne hybrid is the first luxury SUV plug-in, it’s almost certain that it won’t be the last. Other hybrid and all-electric SUVs will be hitting markets as early as September. That’s when the highly-anticipated Tesla Model X is scheduled to hit roads, and Audi is set to unveil its all-electric e-tron Quattro concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Currently, though, Porsche is leading the pack as the only luxury manufacturer to offer three plug-in hybrids.
On the other hand, lower fuel prices have encouraged car buyers to buy less hybrid models. Some experts wonder if this will affect the new push for more fuel-efficient SUVs. Because of the high ticket price on the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, some reviewers question whether buyers will really save enough money on fuel to recoup the added cost of buying the hybrid model. Instead, they suggest buyers opt for the less expensive Cayenne Diesel.
Are you interested in learning more about hybrid vehicles by enrolling in mechanic courses? Visit ATC for more information or to speak with an advisor.
