Porsche claims cross-country speed record
But this one is for least time recharging an electric vehicle
ByLarry Edsall - January 31, 2022
Porsche Taycan sets a record for crossing the country in an electric vehicle while spending the least time being recharged | Porsche North America photos
People have been setting cross-country speed records since the early 1900s, from the days of Cannonball Baker to the famed if non-sanctioned sprint staged in his name by Car and Driver magazine.
Porsche, an automaker known for the record-setting speed of its vehicles, recently has claimed a cross-country driving record, but with a twist. Instead of the speed of the vehicle, in this case a Porsche Taycan, the record was set for the shortest time needed to recharge an electric vehicle as it was driven coast to coast.
According to Porsche and the Guinness World Records keepers, the former record for such a feat was 7 hours, 10 minutes and 1 second. But driver Wayne Gerdes and the Taycan he drove from Los Angeles to New York City spent only 2 hours, 26 minutes and 48 seconds connected to Electrify America’s CCS DC fast chargers along the 2,834.5-mile way.
Car spent only 2 hours, 26 minute and 48 seconds being recharged on its 2,834.5-mile trip
Driver Wayne Gerdes
Software helps with routing and finding fast chargers
“Comparing charging performance from of variety of EVs I have driven to date, the Taycan sets the bar,” said Gerdes, who holds several Guinness records for efficiency and range. “The first time I charged on a 350KW charger, 6 to 82 percent occurred in just 22 minutes.”
“To complete the Guinness World Records title attempt, Gerdes was required to meet a daunting set of requirements, including meticulously noting every stop – with independent witnesses for each charge,” Porsche reported in its announcement.
“Every mile covered was filmed, GPS tracked and accounted for before being certified by a panel of adjudicators ahead of the record being accepted.”
Porsche added that the car used was a standard 2021 Taycan with the optional Performance Battery Plus, as well as adaptive cruise control, Porsche Electric Sport Sound, and the Porsche Premium Package.
Gerdes added that he used Plug Share and the Electrify America app in plotting his route.
“I’m proud and honestly a little surprised to have set the new benchmark by such a margin,” Gerdes added. “The Taycan performed even better than expected. Its performance, comfort and road holding were excellent, but the standout metric alongside the charging capacity was its efficiency.”
Article courtesy of Classiccars.com