The Taycan is Porsche’s debut EV, and it’s already setting impressive standards for the segment. Its handling is reportedly among the most engaging a driver can experience, all inside an opulent cabin. In addition, the Porsche Taycan has two battery pack options, each providing ample range for most drivers.

But one of the biggest perks of EV ownership is not having to pay high gas prices. EV charging isn’t free, though, so is it really less expensive than fueling up at the pump? Here’s what you need to know about charging a Porsche Taycan.

How to charge a Porsche Taycan

All Porsche Taycan models have a charging capacity of 270 kW, and you can charge them from the comfort of your home. With Level 1 charging through a 120-volt outlet, it takes 24 hours to charge the biggest battery, ChargePoint reports. Using a 240-volt outlet, you can recharge the battery in as little as 12 hours — or 11 hours for the smaller 79-kWh battery.

You can also charge the Taycan’s battery at a Level 3 public charger or DC supercharging station. Porsche partners with Electrify America, so Taycan drivers can use any of these stations.

At a fast-charging station, the longest you’ll wait to charge the larger battery is 93 minutes. That’s a rate of about 60 miles every four minutes, assuming it’s a 350-kW charger. You can restore 80 percent of the battery in only 15 minutes.

Fast charging is not always an option, especially if you don’t live in a big city. Still, the Porsche Taycan’s navigation system will show you the available charging stations in your area. So, for example, if you commute to the city for work, you might find fast-charging stations onsite.

Drivers can also opt for the 400V DC onboard charger, which costs around $460. Unfortunately, it’s not much faster than a public charging station because it provides the same voltage. Still, it’s a good investment for Taycan drivers without daily commutes.

Charging costs for each Porsche Taycan model

Electrify America charges 15 to 25 cents per minute — a maximum of 30 cents per kWh, GreenCarJournal reports. Using a DC fast-charging station can cost up to 99 cents per minute, so it’s definitely a lesser value. However, many drivers might prefer this method for its speed and convenience. 

ChargePoint estimates it will cost drivers around $5.40 to drive 100 miles in a Porsche Taycan. That’s more expensive to drive than a Tesla due to the Porsche’s lower range. The Taycan and Taycan 4S with the standard 79-kWh battery get 199 miles on a single charge. 

The EPA shows the 2021 4S is the most efficient Taycan model, getting 79 MPGe city/highway combined. It can also get the upgraded 93-kWh battery, extending its range to 221 miles. Power output also increases from 522 hp to 562 hp.

Taycan Turbo models come with the 93-kWh battery, which gets up to 212 miles of range. And though the fuel economy is slightly decreased, the Turbo S can produce up to 616 hp and 774 lb-ft of torque.

Is charging cheaper than buying gas?

Gas prices fluctuate with supply and demand, but the national average is just over $3 as of this writing, AAA reports. So say you have a Porsche Taycan Turbo S with a range of 201 miles. It would take only a little over $10.80 to charge it at a Level 3 station.

Also, ChargePoint points out that several public charging stations offer discounts, lowering the price further. In addition, the 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S gets even more miles in Range driving mode, making it a better value.