For 75 years, Porsche has been the emblematic brand for dream-chasers, and its pioneering spirit shines bright once more with a remarkable achievement in Southeast Asia. A trio of skilled drivers, Pholpat Salayakanond from Thailand, Pan Eu Jin from Malaysia, and Desmond Chan from Singapore, recently accomplished the fastest single journey in an electric vehicle (EV) from Thailand to Singapore, covering the 1,845-kilometre route in just 29 hours and 15 minutes, marking a significant moment in automotive history.
Dubbed the “Taycan Record Run,” this groundbreaking feat took meticulous planning and preparation. The journey commenced from a Shell Recharge station in Bang Yai, Bangkok, in the early hours of 18 July 2023. The car of choice for this record-breaking run was the Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo, the brand’s first all-electric sports car known for its unique 800V charging architecture and improved WLTP-rated electric range of up to 512 kilometers.
The drivers tackled the demanding route with utmost care, adhering to speed limits and optimizing their journey by utilizing the existing special benefits offered to Porsche owners on the Shell Recharge HPC network. They took advantage of ABB’s fastest 360 kW DC charger at specific intervals, allowing them to maintain charging intervals of no more than 25 minutes on average.
Throughout the journey, the Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo’s impressive safety features, including the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) LED headlights and lane-keeping assistance, ensured the drivers’ safety during their grueling hours on the road.
Accompanying the drivers in this ground-breaking journey were TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 and TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Porsche Edition smartwatches. These state-of-the-art timepieces not only complemented the drivers’ style but also provided real-time updates on the car’s battery level and remaining range.
The Taycan’s odyssey took them through the picturesque landscapes of Thailand and Malaysia, with well-wishers and fellow road users cheering them on at every charging stop. Upon reaching the halfway point at Porsche Centre Penang in Malaysia, they received certification of their mid-point time, 17 hours and 55 minutes, before continuing their journey into Singapore.
As the Taycan crossed the Malaysia-Singapore border, a backup Taycan Cross Turismo was activated to address an administrative challenge at the Tuas checkpoint. The triumphant finale took place at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, where the car arrived at the SG50 Lattice structure, surrounded by the city’s modern skyline.
Amidst media, Porsche staff, event partners, and officials from the Singapore and Malaysia Book of Records, the Taycan drivers celebrated their victory. TAG Heuer timekeepers authenticated the timing sheets, confirming the historic achievement of completing the fastest single EV journey from Thailand to Singapore in just 29 hours and 15 minutes.
With this record-breaking performance, the Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo and its remarkable drivers solidified their place as true pioneers in automotive history, showcasing the capabilities and potential of electric vehicles on long-distance journeys.
