Porsche's Panamera e-Hybrid is worth the hype - Straits Times
As the name implies, a plug-in hybrid's batteries can be recharged via an electric socket. With this external power source, plug-in hybrids offer emission-free motoring over a reasonably long distance and with decent performance. At least that is the case with the Porsche Panamera e-Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid car in Singapore. Alongside its 3-litre 333bhp supercharged V6 is a 95bhp electric motor powered by a 9. 4kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In this mode, Porsche says the car can cover 36km, with a top speed of 135kmh. It does not feel sluggish when running on battery power alone, which is completely unexpected of a 2. 1-tonne car propelled by a 95bhp motor. When battery power falls to the last quarter mark, the V6 kicks in. When the engine is employed, the batteries are recharged, as is the case with conventional hybrids. This makes the Porsche an ideal vehicle for Singapore, as most drivers clock only about 50km a day. Park and plug in and, by lunchtime, the batteries are fully charged - it takes less than four hours to do so, compared with up to 12 hours for full-electric cars. Source: www.straitstimes.com
