Porsche Destination Charging: Rachael Reid recharges with a family getaway

Taking a break from routine is the best tonic. Ditching devices for bush walks and dips in the ocean creates family memories and also revives mind, body and spirit.

So, with that aim, packed with boogie boards and buckets and spades and all the holiday gear that three kids and two grown-ups require, we headed north on the M1 from Queensland’s Gold Coast to Noosa in the new Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, a trip that’s around 230 kilometres.

Described as “an electric wagon with supercar abilities”, the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo follows quickly in the tracks of Porsche’s first battery-electric model, the Taycan sports sedan, which has enjoyed phenomenal sales worldwide, including Australia.

The Taycan Cross Turismo range is a wagon-bodied version of the Taycan sports sedan, with a raised ride height, suspension engineered for different terrain types, and an extended roofline which releases 30mm more rear-seat headroom and extra luggage space. In common with the Taycan sports sedan are its lithium-ion battery pack, dual motor all-wheel drive, and impressive performance.

EVs are generally quicker on take-off compared to their petrol-powered counterparts because an electric motor generates 100 percent of its available torque instantly.

According to the data, it has a range of 425km from a single battery charge – which would allow us to travel from the Gold Coast to Fraser Island before needing to recharge.

As for the myth that electric vehicles are “as slow as golf carts”, EVs are generally quicker than their petrol-powered counterparts because an electric motor generates 100 percent of its available torque instantly. 

And I can assure you, that with the boost of Launch Control, the Taycan reaches 100km/h in 3.3 seconds, 200km/h in 10.7 seconds, covers 400m in 11.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h – not that we tested these on the Sunshine Motorway!

We cruised to the iconic Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort for our mid-week getaway, a family-friendly oasis perfectly located on Noosa’s vibrant and thriving Hastings Street. Our three girls (under 10) were in raptures at the lagoon pool, while Nick and I – unaccustomed to putting our feet up – reclined on sunlounges in our own private Cabana and settled in for the day with a couple of good books with wait service at our beck and call. Bliss!

The Cabanas Noosa are a first for the region. They’re proving very popular with the “in crowd”, especially as the weather warms up. Redolent of the French Riviera, the Cabanas Noosa are a “côté piscine space” for socialising or relaxing, with seafood and champagne on tap.

While we recharged poolside, the Taycan was ensconced in the garage, also recharging, thanks to the Porsche Destination Charging unit onsite.

Porsche’s own recharging network makes extended journeys no issue. You can plan your itinerary with the use of the Porsche Charge Map, which shows you the available charging stations on your route. This lets you plan charging stops in terms of your car’s range. The Electric Vehicle Council has a handy EV charger map as well.

While we recharged poolside, the Taycan was ensconced in the garage, also recharging, thanks to the Porsche Destination Charging unit onsite.

The Taycan is the first production vehicle with a system voltage of 800 volts, rather than the usual 400 volts. This enables consistent high performance, reduces its recharging time, and decreases the weight and installation space of the onboard cabling. It also boasts a maximum peak charging capacity of 270 kW (with the Performance Battery Plus).

Owners have several ways to charge their Taycan, including High Performance Charging, Home Charging and Porsche Destination Charging, the latter making our trip north super-easy. For High-Performance Charging, Porsche Cars Australia has partnered with Chargefox, Australia’s largest EV charging network. Taycan owners receive a complimentary three-year subscription^& to the Chargefox Ultra-Rapid DC charging network (up to 350 kW), and complimentary charging at selected Chargefox-managed Fast DC charging sites (mostly 50 kW). You just download the Chargefox app via Google Play or Apple App Store.

For Home Charging, a Porsche Centre sales consultant arranges a Home Check service to determine installation requirements, partnering with JET Charge to deliver expert advice on home charging solutions.

Then there’s the Porsche Destination Charging network around Australia. It continues to grow and includes premium lifestyle destinations such as luxury hotels, theatres, entertainment venues, restaurants, shopping precincts and other locations. Sofitel Noosa is among these premium Destination Charging sites, and it really was as simple as pulling up and plugging in.

Sofitel Noosa is among these premium Destination Charging sites, and it really was as simple as pulling up and plugging in.

Noosa is best seen on foot and its attractions are just a meander from the Sofitel’s front door. When we managed to tear ourselves from the pool and our palatial sea-view suite, we donned our walking shoes and wandered along the boardwalk and trail to the picturesque Noosa Headland, hoping to spot koalas, but found ourselves content with flocks of black cockatoos and some of the most picturesque coastline anywhere.

Over three tranquil days we had plenty of time to kick off our shoes, play in the sand and swim at Main Beach, and savour the delights of the legendary Noosa Beach House – gourmet fish & chips for the kids, mouth-watering Kingfish and Wagyu for us – topped off with gelato on the walk back to the Resort.

When we were ready to hit the road and explore the scenic coast road from Noosa south to Coolum, taking in all the sights in the villages along the way, the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo was fully-charged and rearing to go.

The trip home to the Gold Coast was further proof of the power and performance of the Taycan Cross Turbo Turismo; our three girls slept in total comfort and we felt revitalised and reassured knowing that this all-electric sports Cross Utility Vehicle was reducing our footprint.

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Author and Images: @hersupercarlife

 

^& Access to complimentary Chargefox charging services is subject to customers downloading the Chargefox app and accepting Chargefox’s terms and conditions.

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