Porsche Taycan Now Available on Subscription

Porsche Expands Electric Vehicle Access with Subscription and Rental Programs

Porsche has integrated its inaugural all-electric vehicle, the Taycan sports sedan, into its vehicle subscription and short-term rental service. This move is part of a larger initiative designed to attract a new demographic of U.S. customers.

Program Expansion to New Cities

The German automotive manufacturer announced on Thursday that it is broadening the Porsche Drive subscription and rental offerings to five additional cities. Currently, the service is available to residents of Atlanta, Houston, and Phoenix, as well as in California locations including Irvine, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Further expansion across the United States is planned for the remainder of this year and continuing into 2022.

Cost Considerations for Flexibility

Porsche’s programs prioritize flexibility, which is reflected in their pricing structure. The Taycan 4S model, initially available exclusively through single-vehicle subscription or rental options, carries a monthly cost approximately 20% higher than a comparable two-year lease. A monthly fee of $3,250 applies to the Taycan 4S, while the Taycan rear-wheel drive model is offered at $2,500 per month.

Rental Rates for the Taycan 4S

Short-term rental of the Taycan 4S is priced at $335 per day for rentals lasting one to three days. For periods exceeding four days, the daily rate decreases to $295. These prices do not include applicable taxes or fees, and all subscribers are required to pay a $595 activation fee. The Taycan rear-wheel drive model will be added to the program later this spring.

High Demand for the Porsche Drive Service

Despite the premium pricing, demand for these programs has been substantial enough to justify expansion. According to a company spokesperson who spoke with TechCrunch, Porsche Drive is typically booked one to two months in advance in most markets.

Complementing Traditional Sales and Leasing

Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, emphasized that these programs are intended to supplement, rather than replace, traditional vehicle sales and leasing methods. Approximately 80% of Porsche Drive customers are new to the Porsche brand, Gruner stated.

Evolution of the Porsche Drive Program

Porsche initially launched a pilot subscription program in 2017 and has continuously refined it since. The service now features three distinct tiers under the Porsche Drive vehicle subscription umbrella, which underwent rebranding in 2020.

Porsche Drive – Multi-Vehicle Subscription: Allows customers to rotate through a diverse selection of vehicles on a monthly basis.
Porsche Drive – Single Vehicle Subscription: Provides access to a single vehicle for one or three months, with extension options.
Porsche Drive – Rental: Offers shorter-term rentals, catering to individuals seeking access to Porsche’s luxury sports cars and SUVs for a week or a weekend.

Convenient Access Through the Porsche Drive App

All program options are managed through the Porsche Drive app. Users can select their desired vehicle and arrange for concierge delivery and pick-up services directly through the application. Subscription plans include a flat monthly fee covering vehicle maintenance and insurance.