Porsche sets new record for fastest EV drive from Thailand to Singapore

Electric vehicles (EVs) are only just beginning to appear on roads in Southeast Asia, accelerating in numbers as government encourage their citizens to switch to zero-emission vehicles. But just as the first car race is said to have started when the second car was built, it seems Porsche is already working on establishing records for EVs in the region.

The German sportscar brand is the first to make the fastest single journey in an EV from Thailand to Singapore – a distance of 1,845 kms by road. The total time taken was 29 hours and 15 minutes and the record was certified by both the Singapore and Malaysia Book of Records.

Three-man team
Three drivers representing Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore took turns behind the wheel of a Taycan 4S Cross Turismo. Timestamps along the way were authenticated by official timekeeper TAG Heuer.

The total time taken was 29 hours and 15 minutes and the record was certified by both the Singapore and Malaysia Book of Records.

The Taycan Record Run
Dubbed the ‘Taycan Record Run’, the drive was possible because of the Shell Recharge High Performance Charging (HPC) network that the petroleum company, in collaboration with Porsche, set up from Bangkok through Malaysia to Singapore.

Up to 512 kms range
With the latest software updates, the Taycan benefitted from an improved range of up to 512 kms with Performance Battery Plus. Innovative thermal energy management, selective front electric motor de-coupling and improved recuperation strategies also helped it run efficiently.

Along the way, the car was kept within all prevailing speed limits, so as not to invalidate the record or increase the drain on the battery. No additional charging benefits were accorded to the participants on this record run.

The drivers made use of the existing special benefits accorded to all Porsche owners on the Shell Recharge HPC network. This allowed them to reserve the charging stations ahead up to 60 minutes before their arrival.

“Since we first introduced the all-electric sportscar in 2020, the Porsche Taycan has been well-received with growing demand from EV sportscar fans in Malaysia. Together with Porsche Singapore and Porsche Thailand, we are pleased to spearhead the first cross-border EV drive across three countries – Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore – proving that seamless long-distance travel in an EV is now a reality,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, which represents Porsche in Malaysia.

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