TAKING CHARGE
Most Porsche fans love the huge variety our corner of the automotive world offers: air-cooled, water-cooled, rear-driven, all-pawed, mid-engined, rear-engined, SUV, coupe, drop-top, Targa, wide body, narrow body... the list goes on. When it comes to electric powertrains, however, the scene is split. Many recognise the need for Porsche to lead the charge on an all-electric motoring future, something which, like it or loathe it, is hurtling toward us like a runaway train. Others cry heresy, suggesting EV architecture removes the very spirit of a Porsche sports car. Which side of the fence are you on?
Things don’t have to be so black and white. There is another approach gaining traction at rapid pace: retro-fitting an electric motor and batteries to a classic Porsche. All the charm and character of an air-cooled classic, but with the modern performance, reliability, low running costs and ‘futureproofing’ of an EV? It’s a tempting proposition, and one which will become more widespread as early adopters merging the old with the new contribute to lower production and conversion costs and, of course, the advancement of battery technology, which gets ever closer to where it needs to be, in terms of bulk, cost, range and service life.
Those adamant they won’t entertain the idea of owning a Porsche EV of any specification can take comfort in the fact it looks as though the manufacturer will keep the 911 running on fossil fuel for as long as possible. Enjoy it while it lasts, though — change is on the horizon.