Porsche introduces 2023 software updates to previously sold Taycan cars

MANILA: The Taycan may have been launched in 2019, but Porsche will now send updates to its first electric vehicle model. Regardless of vehicle age, engine, and body, all Taycan variants can be brought up to the status of the 2023 model year with a software update.

Worldwide, more than 75,000 examples of the Taycan have been sold since its launch.

Depending on when and which market the Taycan model was delivered, customers will benefit from, among other things, an increase in powertrain efficiency as well as new functions and improvements in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche Connect and assistance systems.

Part of the update are individual functions and equipment unlocked after purchase (function on demand, FoD) and will enhance the over-the-air (OTA) update capability of all Taycan models. The update is free for customers, and can be carried out during a visit to a Porsche service workshop.

Here are the most important updates for the Taycan at a glance.

In terms of powertrain, Taycan all-wheel drive models' "Normal" and "Range" driving modes, the front electric motor is virtually entirely detached and de-energized during partial load operation. Both axles are free of drive torque when coasting and at a stop. The vehicle's range is increased and frictional drag losses are decreased by the electric freewheel.

The central display's all-wheel drive indicator is now displayed as an energy-flow indicator to make it simpler to see the drives' current operational state. The strategy for energy recovery has also been improved. When the driver modifies the driving program, for instance, the automatic recuperation setting is kept. Customer convenience was increased. These upgrades apply to Taycan models from the model years 2020 and 2021.

In the thermal management of the battery aspect, the Taycan can be quickly charged more frequently overall and over a wider range of battery charge levels thanks to improved battery conditioning, especially at low outdoor temperatures. For instance, more waste heat from the electrical parts is utilized than before to temper the battery. This allows longer range and faster charge times for Taycan models from the 2020 and 2021 model years.

Moving on to the Taycan’s Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and Porsche Connect, the characteristics of the changes in these areas include brand-new features, a colorful tile pattern on the start screen, and even improved usability. The update enhances voice control and incorporates the Spotify app for Taycan cars built in the 2020 and 2021 model years and up until mid-February 2022. Wireless access to Android Auto is available.

Based on charging capacity, charging stations can be filtered and chosen in the navigation system. Drivers of Taycan vehicles from the 2021 model year can anticipate, among other things, an optimized view of the navigation map. The contents of the display have been increased. Prior to the 2023 model year, voice control is now an option for using the on-board operating instructions on all Taycan vehicles.

Several of the Taycan’s assistance systems can now support the driver in even more situations. The sensors of the ParkAssist function now work with a greater range. The Taycan can detect smaller parking spaces, and this is a benefit that will be given to Taycan models from the 2020, 2021 and 2022 model years.

Unlocking functions after vehicle purchase (FoD) will be made available to all Taycan models from 2020, 2021 and 2022 upon customer’s request. The FoD consists of the keyless opening function known as comfort access for the doors and tailgate. The option of over-the-air (OTA) software updates has now also been further expanded for the new model year. 

Meanwhile, Porsche Philippines shared, "OTA updates are still not applicable at the moment because the country's telecom capability is not yet compatible with the system Porsche uses. What Porsche Philippines does is to proactively inform our customers of any software update issued by the factory, and we can do that for their vehicles on site. Porsche Philippines has been doing this for the Taycan (and all Porsche models) since the model arrived in the country. This is just one of the numerous advantages of buying a Porsche from the authorized distributor. Gray market operators do not have access to official update notifications from the factory."

Photos from Porsche

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