Chris Harris Talks Porsche EVs & Taycan on ‘Top Gear’
Porsche EVs look to be an exciting option in the electric market for true auto enthusiasts. And Taycan is our first glimpse.
In the latest installment of Series 28, Jack Rix, Deputy Editor of Top Gear Magazine, picks Chris Harris‘ brain on the future of Porsche EVs and the new Taycan. Harris, a British auto journalist, racer, and tv personality, knows a thing or two about cars. And Porsche is one of his darling brands.
In the past, Harris has expressed his grievances about Electric Vehicles (EVs). So how does he feel about the electric future of the German manufacturing standout? Rather excited actually. Rix asks through the burning questions we all have about the future of EVs and the Porsche Taycan.
Tesla & EV Ownership
Given his less-than-enthusiastic support of EVs in the past, Nix first asks how Harris is approaching this review. “If an electric car is good, I’m gonna say it’s good,” remarks Harris “I just think there’s been a lot of electric vehicles over the last ten years that have been sold as the future and they don’t seem to fit into anyone’s life. You have to fit into the car’s life.”
Truer words have never been spoken. Harris goes on to say that Tesla has changed the EV game completely. But, their downside is that they lack the subtleties a true auto enthusiast would hope to have, such as ride feel, handling, and build quality. “They’re so obviously cars for people that don’t like cars.”
For now, Harris feels that EVs are only for rich people. They don’t quite fit into the zone of practicality for anyone without a home charging system. But Tesla’s saving grace is its global Supercharger system.
Taycan Ride Feel
When asked about what the Taycan does right, Harris shares that it has everything you’d expect. “From the moment you get in,” says Harris “it feels like a Porsche.” According to Harris, the control weights, ride feel, and handling all feel proper and exciting. While this is great news, Harris admits the Turbo S variant is a bit too eager for general traffic and best reserved for canyon runs or autobahns.
Harris goes on to share that getting sideways is a bit different in the AWD Taycan and even likens it to an R34 Skyline. The 2.4-ton vehicle puts a lot of stress on the tires though, only allowing for three passes.
Eco-Friendliness
In regards to the EV’s eco-friendliness, Harris is quite skeptical. As it stands, you’ll have to drive your vehicle 15-25k miles “before you’ve bought back any of the emissions that you would have used in an equivalent gasoline car.”
Ultimately, Harris feels that these vehicles may not be as eco-friendly as we might think citing the use of Lithium and heavy metals.
Future of Porsche EVs
Porsche intends to electrify its fleet moving forward, with the next iteration of Macan coming as an electric. For us purists, however, the 911 will likely remain as an internal combustion engine.
Overall, Harris is encouraged by the future of EVs with Porsche stepping into the ring. And the Taycan is an exciting sample of what the future holds.
Images: Top Gear/YouTube