Porsche Taycan electric car production paused amid Ukraine conflict

Australian supply of the electric sedan could be affected by the factory shutdown.

Volkswagen-owned sports car maker Porsche has been forced to press pause on production of its Taycan electric sedan, as conflict in Europe triggers new logistical challenges and compounds existing supply shortages.

The four-door is built at a factory in the southwest German city of Stuttgart, and under normal circumstances an estimated 110 examples leave the facility each day (based off an annual production figure of 40,000).

However, that figure will drop to zero for at least the next week and a half – likely resulting in approximalty 1100 fewer cars being built.

“Porsche views the armed conflict in Ukraine with great concern and dismay. We continue to hope for a cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomacy,” a spokesperson for the marque told Drive.

“The supply chains for the Porsche plants are affected, which means that in some cases orderly production is no longer possible … the company will be forced to suspend Taycan production in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen from Wednesday afternoon [9 March 2022], initially until the end of next week [March 18 2022].”

Overseas media has reported other models in the line-up could be affected, however Porsche claims

production of its 911, 718 Cayman, 718 Boxster, and Cayenne SUV will continue without disruption for now. This story will be updated if the situation changes.

Drive understands the Stuttgart closure could impact supply of right-hand drive Taycan vehicles in Australia, however it’s too early to confirm how significant the impact is likely to be.

Last month 48 examples of the Porsche Taycan were reported as sold locally according to VFACTS industry data, making it the second best-selling large luxury sedan behind only the BMW 5 Series.

Pricing for the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Taycan sedan variant starts from $156,300 before on-road costs. The flagship Taycan Turbo S sedan – which completes the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 2.8 seconds – starts from $345,800 before on-road costs.

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