Charging South for Winter – Porsche Taycan 4S Road Trip

Charging South for Winter – A Porsche Taycan 4S Adventure

Winters in Canada can be harsh, with plummeting temperatures and heavy snowfall. For Manuel Ratke, a Porsche employee in Toronto, the arrival of the Christmas holidays posed a question—endure the frigid weather or seek out a warmer destination? When an invitation from friends in Miami arrived, Ratke and his wife saw an opportunity to turn their holiday into an epic road trip. Their vehicle of choice? The all-electric Porsche Taycan 4S.

A Bold Choice for a Long Journey

The 2,400 km drive from Toronto to Miami isn’t the typical choice for Canadian ‘Snowbirds’ fleeing the winter. Even more unconventional was Ratke’s decision to undertake the journey in an electric vehicle. While long-distance travel in an EV might have once seemed daunting, advancements in charging infrastructure and battery range have made it a feasible and exciting option.

Ratke had previous experience driving the first-generation Taycan for 18 months without issue. Confident in the new model’s improved range and efficiency, he meticulously planned his route, taking into account potential weather disruptions and charging stops. However, even the best-laid plans couldn’t predict the treacherous winter conditions ahead.

Overcoming Winter’s Challenges

As Ratke and his wife made their way south, they encountered extreme weather, including a snowstorm severe enough to prompt road closures and a state of emergency declaration. Border officials expressed skepticism when they learned the couple was driving an EV, but the Taycan 4S, equipped with all-wheel drive and winter tires, handled the conditions impressively.

Forced to adjust their itinerary, they made an unscheduled stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Once past the worst of the storm, they enjoyed scenic drives through Virginia and South Carolina before reaching the warmth of Florida, where temperatures soared to 25°C.

The Taycan 4S: A Grand Touring Marvel

Along the way, the couple made unforgettable stops, including a visit to an Amish farm shop in Lancaster and a tour of Washington, D.C. Through varying conditions, the Taycan performed flawlessly, delivering up to 650 km of range in warmer climates and approximately 400 km in the coldest parts of the trip. Thanks to its fast-charging capabilities, the Performance Battery Plus could reach 73% charge in just 15 minutes.

Once in Florida, the Ratkes explored the Everglades and Key West before embarking on the return journey via Georgia, Kentucky, and Ohio. After 6,500 km of driving, the Taycan averaged an efficient 21.3 kWh/100km, proving that long-distance EV travel is not only possible but highly enjoyable.

Porsche Taycan 4S and the Dubai Used Car Market

For car enthusiasts in Dubai, the Porsche Taycan 4S represents an exhilarating blend of cutting-edge technology, luxury, and high performance. With an increasing demand for electric vehicles, the used car market in Dubai offers exciting opportunities to own a premium electric sports car like the Taycan.

If you’re looking for a used Porsche Taycan in Dubai, Auto Trader UAE provides a wide selection of models to suit every preference. Browse the latest listings and find your dream Porsche today at www.autotraders.ae.