Epic Arctic Road Trip: Porsche EVs Conquer Europe’s Northernmost Fast Charger
The sun has barely risen above the horizon when the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) reveals that there are about 1,500 kilometres ahead. Eight representatives from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Romania, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States gather at the new town square in Kiruna, already some 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. Their aim is the Norwegian fishing village of Mehamn and the world’s northernmost fast charger.
Since 2019, when Porsche first launched the Taycan with a grand trans-European press drive, the sports car manufacturer has used road trips to showcase the all-electric sports car’s ability to cover long distances quickly. Subsequent Taycan drives have included journeys across Australia, Darwin to Bondi Beach, Stuttgart to Seville and Istanbul, and even across India. This latest challenge in the Nordkinn Peninsula – mainland Europe’s northernmost point – offers an even sterner test due to harsh weather and challenging road conditions.
Four electric models accelerate confidently into the Arctic dawn: two examples of the new all-electric Macan and two Taycan Cross Turismo cars. The drive immediately proves it is no hypermiling exercise. Participants travel as quickly as the speed limits and conditions allow, with interior heating set to maintain perfect comfort despite an outdoor temperature up to 35 degrees Celsius colder than the cabin.
No strict charging strategy is enforced. Instead, the standard Charging Planner in the Macan and Taycan Cross Turismo calculates where and when the cars must stop. Remarkably, the convoy traverses all of Sweden and part of Finland without charging, only making its first stop in Kautokeino, 40 km into Norway’s far northern Finnmark district. Scandinavia is renowned for its quality and abundance of EV charging infrastructure, and the friendly, well-equipped stops in this harsh environment confirm that reputation.
After a quick charge, coffee, snacks, and a driver swap, the group departs for the new six-charger IONITY station in Lakselv. It happens to be Shrove Tuesday – also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’ in Norway – a time to indulge in rich foods before Lent, so the participants enjoy a few extra buns at Marthe’s Café next door.
Shortly after leaving Lakselv, the route turns left onto FV888, one of Europe’s lesser-known yet spectacular driving roads. Flanked by fjords and mountains, this winding ribbon of tarmac leads the Porsche models for the final 101 km northwards. As they pull away from the IONITY station after a brief pause, FV888 presents the most hazardous mixture of snow and ice caused by sub-zero temperatures refreezing the day’s meltwater. Despite wearing standard winter tyres rather than the studded variants typical in Scandinavia, the all-wheel drive Macan and Taycan handle these conditions with poise, allowing drivers worldwide to press on briskly and safely.
Eventually, the destination comes into sight: a Kople charging station with power outputs of up to 175 kW, right beside the dark waters of the Barents Sea. The cars plug-in while, across the harbour at the Nordic Safari Hotel, Chef Kolbjørn Kristoffersen prepares a feast of king crab, caught only a few hours prior. This long, eventful day culminates in a well-earned meal.
“On many road trips worldwide, we’ve already demonstrated that electric mobility is perfectly suited to everyday use – this time in the cold of the Scandinavian winter,” says Mayk Wienkötter, Spokesperson for Panamera and Taycan.
“It’s the first time we’ve driven the Macan and the Taycan together on such a trip. Our electric sports cars performed superbly in temperatures ranging from freezing to minus 10 degrees Celsius. In these conditions, we saw a real-world range of around 380 km, with consumption at roughly 25 kilowatt hours per 100 km.
“This reflects the tremendous effort our Porsche engineers have devoted to thermal management and the inclusion of standard heat pumps, among other features. Everyone covered reasonable distances, nobody needed to turn the heating down, and each driver enjoyed fast charging whenever and for as long as the cars specified.
“Under these circumstances, you couldn’t complete this journey any faster in a combustion-engined car. The driving experience has been fantastic, and the flight options here are limited, so we’re simply covering the 750 km journey back tomorrow. That’s another 10 hours on the road with a few short charges. It’s no problem.”
With the new Macan and the Taycan, Porsche continues its steady push towards electrification. 2024 the Macan entered its second generation as a fully electric model. Thanks to its progressive, timeless design, typical Porsche performance, extensive driving range, and everyday usability, the new Macan thoroughly satisfies the requirements of SUV-loving Porsche drivers.
Meanwhile, the Taycan Cross Turismo retains the core strengths of the Taycan, including outstanding performance and considerable range. It also provides additional headroom for rear passengers and offers a more significant load area beneath the tailgate. The chassis, featuring standard all-wheel drive and air suspension, can be raised to tackle uneven surfaces. Off-road design elements – including wheel arch trims, distinctive front and rear lower aprons, and side sills – further enhance its all-terrain credentials.
