Porsche's Modular PPE Platform Is The Key To Producing Better EVs

After creating the virtual model, Porsche Engineering passes the project to the vehicle manufacturer to develop a production-maturity vehicle. This stage involves the development, simulation, and testing of individual components and the final vehicle as a whole. Porsche points out that only when a platform is defined can specific development goals be achieved, be it the design of the axles or even the size of the wheels.

An unnamed customer turned to Porsche Engineering at an early stage as they intended to launch an EV model series. "Even the first drafts for the platform took scalability into account, and we also developed a modular system for the most important vehicle systems," said de Campos do Carmo.

One such scalable platform started with an SUV with a wheelbase length of 115.7 inches, but just a few new or modified parts made the very same platform compatible with a sedan with a 110.6-inch wheelbase. A city SUV, large SUV, and even a transporter vehicle could all be accommodated on the same basic platform.

Where wheelbase length is concerned, these different wheelbase increments were defined beforehand "so that the next-in-line battery module would always plug the gap in the vehicle underbody," which is visually depicted in the image above.

This flexibility is key to PPE, which Porsche says will "start off with" a system output cap of 603 horsepower, with torque exceeding 737 lb-ft. That aligns with Porsche's earlier statement that the Macan EVwould make 603 horses.

The 800-volt charging architecture - also a feature of thePorsche Taycan- of the PPE platform has multiple benefits, including higher efficiency, reduced weight, and faster charging speeds. Most EVs utilize 400-volt architecture, which is one of PPE's primary benefits.

Along with the Macan EV, the electric Porsche Cayenne that isrumored to launch in 2026is also expected to use the PPE platform. This model will go up against the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

保时捷突显了一个事实,现代平台need to be future-proof and flexible, too. For example, even if a rear-wheel-drive vehicle is launched initially, the platform should be able to accommodate all-wheel drive at a later stage if required. This includes adapting to ever-changing battery technology.

So far, over 32 million cars have been based on VW's MQB platform since 2012. While many cars based on the PPE platform will be high-end models that won't sell in such large numbers, Porsche will be hoping for the same longevity from this advanced electric platform.