Porsche is to develop an electric vehicle to compete with Tesla’s model S, according to German media outlet Manager Magazin.
Details of the German car marker’s first-ever series production electric car remain undisclosed. The model will likely feature a lithium-ion battery developed jointly with Audi. The all-electric driving range is aimed to be about 250 miles. The model will be available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive.
The model will feature Volkswagen’s second-generation version of the MSB platform used by the current Panamera series. The vehicle is said to be lighter than the 2190kg Tesla Model S, which has a 265 miles range.
The EV is currently in the formative stages of development at Porsche’s Weissach R&D centre in Germany. The company has not set a launch date, but the first delivery is not expected until 2018.
Porsche has built EV prototypes before with the Boxster E that used a 121bhp electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.
German car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Audi are also working on competing with Tesla. While Mercedes Benz is still deciding on projects, Audi is preparing its electric Q8 SUV to rival the impending Tesla Model X.
