As I made my way through the track access at ExCel’s underground car park, the excitement of driving a Taycan on a race track was palpable. However, my enthusiasm was dampened by the presence of road sweepers making it difficult to push the car to its limits on the back straight.
The pits were a hive of activity, with team members, event officials, media, VIP guests, and others milling about. Navigating through the crowd was a challenge, especially since the Taycan’s silent electric motor often caught pedestrians off guard. Thankfully, the whistle-wielding marshals swiftly cleared a path for me to park the car in a unique spot in the pits.
With the 2019/20 Formula E champion Félix da Costa as my guide, I delved into the world of efficient electric driving. Da Costa, who not only races a Porsche on the track but also drives a Panamera and a Taycan on the road, emphasized the link between his racing and road driving skills.
According to da Costa, efficiency is key in electric driving, with techniques like “lift and coast” and strategic use of regenerative braking playing a crucial role in extending the range of the vehicle. By focusing on efficiency, drivers can save time on charging and reduce wear on brakes and tires in the long run.
As da Costa shared his insights, I resolved to apply these principles in my own driving experience. However, before I could do so, I had to navigate the first half of the circuit to get the Taycan out of the pits, this time without any obstacles in my way.
