Porsche has temporarily halted sales of a “small batch” of its electric Taycan models in the UK due to concerns regarding potential battery fires. The pause affects earliest first-generation models still in dealer stock, awaiting a software update anticipated towards the end of June.
Released in 2019, the Taycan has been subject to previous safety recalls. In November, Porsche, in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), issued a recall for first-generation models over fears of a “short circuit within the battery modules during the vehicle’s service” potentially leading to “thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle.” This was to be rectified by a free software update for continuous battery monitoring.
A Porsche spokesperson confirmed that 135 UK cars currently on sale are being held back until the enhanced battery monitoring software is live. In total, approximately 7,916 UK Taycan models are awaiting this software update.
For existing owners of these vehicles, Porsche has advised charging to a maximum of 80% and has invited them to their local Porsche retailer for an inspection every 60 days until the update is available. The new software is designed to “monitor and detect future battery module anomalies.” Should an anomaly be detected, a warning message will be displayed, and the maximum charging capacity will automatically be limited to 80%, prompting the owner to visit a Porsche Centre for further inspection.
The Taycan model has faced a dozen safety recalls in the past four years concerning brake, suspension, and electronic defects. This includes a May 2024 recall for 2019-2023 models over fire risk from faulty batteries, a May 2022 recall for wiring harness damage under front seats potentially triggering airbags, and a July 2021 recall for software causing sudden shutdowns. Data from QBE Insurance indicates that electric car fires in the UK increased by 77% between 2022 and 2024, with 232 incidents reported last year.
Source: Daily Mail