The 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Perf Battery Plus gets 77 MPG combined, a signal that high performance and electric vehicle efficiency can coexist in a surprisingly appealing package. This isn’t your average car. It’s a Porsche, delivering blistering acceleration and corner-carving prowess. Owners are drawn to the Taycan’s striking design, exhilarating performance, and the cutting-edge technology that defines the Porsche EV experience, not solely to minimize their carbon footprint, though that’s a welcome side effect. The EPA MPG rating allows them to enjoy those attributes with less guilt, and lower running costs, than a comparable gasoline-powered sports car.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Taycan 4S’s efficiency further, awarding it 75 MPG in city driving and 81 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects how electric vehicles work. In city environments, regenerative braking plays a significant role, recouping energy during deceleration and contributing to higher efficiency. On the highway, at consistent speeds, the Taycan relies more on sustained power delivery, leading to a slightly lower (though still impressive) MPG equivalent. Porsche engineers have optimized the electric drivetrain and battery management system to deliver the highest possible efficiency across a wide range of driving conditions. The two-speed transmission also helps optimize efficiency at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Perf Battery Plus at exactly $1,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average electricity cost. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the Taycan’s running costs to those of gasoline-powered performance cars, many of which would easily double or even triple that annual expenditure. Your individual charging costs may vary significantly depending on your location, electricity provider, and charging habits, such as charging at home versus using public charging networks.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA ratings provide a standardized comparison point, real-world EV efficiency is highly dependent on driving style, ambient temperature, and usage of features like climate control. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of Sport mode, and prolonged high-speed cruising will all decrease the Taycan’s actual range and MPG. Cold weather can negatively impact battery performance, reducing overall efficiency. Even under less-than-ideal conditions, most Taycan owners report achieving range figures reasonably close to the EPA estimates. Track your own energy consumption to understand how your driving habits affect the Taycan’s efficiency.

How it compares

The Taycan 4S Perf Battery Plus occupies a unique niche, blending sports car performance with EV efficiency. Comparing it directly to traditional gasoline-powered Porsches highlights the difference. For example, a 2021 Porsche 911 Carrera achieves around 21 MPG combined. Across all Porsche fuel economy data, the Taycan stands out as the efficiency leader. Competition from other electric vehicles reveals more comparisons. The Tesla Model S Long Range, for instance, boasts a slightly higher EPA rating around 120 MPGe combined. However, the Audi e-tron GT, which shares a platform with the Taycan, is quite similar at 79 MPGe. For many buyers considering the TAYCAN MPG across all years, the choice often comes down to brand loyalty, design preferences, and specific performance characteristics rather than marginal differences in efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maximize regenerative braking whenever possible. The Taycan offers different levels of regen, allowing you to tailor the experience to your driving style. Experiment with stronger regen settings in city driving to recapture more energy during deceleration and minimize brake pad wear.

Precondition the battery before driving, especially in cold weather. Using the Porsche Connect app, you can warm up the battery while the car is still plugged in, drawing power from the grid rather than depleting the battery’s charge. This helps optimize battery performance and range in colder conditions.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, improving overall efficiency. Consult the owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure for your Taycan and check it regularly.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary items from the roof rack, and avoid prolonged high-speed driving, as aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed.

Use the Range driving mode when appropriate. This mode optimizes various vehicle settings to maximize range, including limiting top speed and adjusting climate control settings. While it may not be ideal for spirited driving, it’s a useful option for maximizing efficiency on longer trips.