Life with a Porsche Taycan: Month 1
Welcoming the Taycan to the Fleet
The market for used electric cars has become increasingly popular, with buyers looking for a bargain or those wanting to sell their electric vehicles. Autocar recently added a ‘used’ Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo to their test fleet. This particular model is a 23-plate car with just under 9000 miles on the clock and a known ownership history. While the new price for this car in 2023 was £90,438, its current value is around £68,000. This significant drop in value may come as a shock to those who purchased a Taycan outright, but it presents a great opportunity for savvy used car buyers.
Used EVs, including the Taycan, have struggled with sharp devaluation. One reason for this is the ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell more electric vehicles. To meet these targets, manufacturers often offer hidden incentives and discounts on new EVs, putting pressure on the prices. Additionally, any used EVs sold through official schemes do not count towards these targets. Moreover, there are no tax breaks for business or fleet buyers of used EVs. With the Taycan being on the market for over three years and a facelifted model recently released, there is now a surplus of ex-fleet and PCP examples available. However, there is still some skepticism around buying used electric cars, with concerns about technological advancements and battery life.
With the growing number of used EVs on the market, Autocar saw this as an opportune time to explore the previously owned approach and spend more time with a Taycan. They purchased the car through Porsche’s official used scheme, which offers the same handover process as a new model. The dealership provided a comprehensive introduction to the car’s features, including EV-specific aspects like charging and customizability. The Taycan Sport Turismo in Autocar’s fleet is a base-spec, single-motor, big-battery model. While it may not have the power of a Turbo variant, its 322bhp output (402bhp with launch control) is more than enough for a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds. The car’s 83.7kWh battery provides an official range of 304 miles.
The Sport Turismo body style adds to the Taycan’s appeal, offering a spacious estate with a larger boot without compromising ride height. The interior of the car is tastefully designed, with predominantly black finishes that align with the Porsche aesthetic. The sports seats provide comfort, and the car came with a contract to use the Porsche Charging Network, giving the owner access to various fast chargers and discounted charging rates. Autocar’s initial impressions of the Taycan have been positive, as the car remains one of their favorite electric vehicles, even in comparison to the latest facelifted model.
While slipping residual values may be concerning for some, the opportunity to own a Porsche and an electric car at a discounted price is an enticing prospect for used car buyers. The Taycan Sport Turismo offers a unique driving experience with its performance and practicality, making it a desirable choice in the used electric car market.
