The largest portion of CO2 emissions that are generated during the lifecycle of an electric vehicle are produced during the manufacturing stage, through the extraction and processing of raw materials. Manufacturing emissions account for nearly half of the electric vehicles’ total CO2 emissions over its full lifecycle.
In the manufacturing process of a Taycan, the powertrain battery has the greatest impact on CO2 emissions, accounting for around for around 40% of the CO2 produced in its manufacturing process.
It is here where we can see the importance of balancing the size of the energy carrier (smaller battery = lower emissions during manufacturing) with the customer’s expectations for an electric vehicle (larger battery = longer drive time and better EV).
Porsche is taking its usual pioneering approach to finding the optimal balance in battery size.
While a larger battery allows for a longer ride, it also weighs significantly more, resulting in a less efficient ride. Because of this, Porsche has focused on travel time when looking at how to balance range, performance and sustainability. Porsche engineers have found that a battery size in the region of 100 kWh is the best option in this regard. Future battery developments will continue to enhance driving dynamics and charging times, and we can expect even greater progress in terms of reducing CO2 emissions Additionally, expected increases in the proportion of recycled raw materials available from batteries opens new doors for improvements in sustainability.
Porsche’s second-generation electric vehicles (yet to be launched) are expected to generate around a quarter less carbon dioxide during their lifecycle than the first-generation models, according to Porsche’s Spokesperson of Innovations Christoph Lungwitz. Despite such innovations, it is actually the battery technology itself that will make the largest contribution to reducing a vehicle's carbon footprint: new cell technology will reduce energy consumption, while higher charging capacities will improve efficiency.
We believe that Porsche is well on its way to achieving its target by 2030: to have a carbon-neutral balance sheet across the entire value chain.
Interested in learning more about Porsche’s electrified lineup? Check out the in-stock Taycan models available at Porsche Centre Edmonton.
