5) Charging

The Panamera 4E Hybrid’s connector is SAE J1772

After delivery, I learned from “EVsmart” and other charging-related materials that there are mainly two types of connectors for PHVs and EVs:

・CHAdeMO (pronounced “Chademo,” a connector from the association)
・SAE J1772(also known as IEC62196?)

It seems that the only connector compatible with the Panamera 4E Hybrid is J1772. I didn’t know this initially, so I tried using a free charging port at a facility after delivery, but the connector shape was different, so I couldn’t charge.

I read the charging manual at delivery, but since it was a translation from German, I couldn’t fully understand it. At the very least, I would have appreciated information about incompatible charging spots due to connector types at delivery. Although a charging set was included at delivery, it seems it cannot be used domestically.

Registration with Japan Charge Network (JCN) is essential

Later, I managed to find out that a company called “Japan Charge Network (JCN)” provides charging infrastructure services to EV/PHEV users. (It took quite some effort to find this information, haha) If you don’t have a membership card, you need to log in to “Japan Charge Network” in advance and issue a “visitor password.” The procedure is relatively simple:

〘Procedure〙
① Click “Issue Password” on the smartphone login screen
② Click “Visitor Registration Application / Password Acquisition”
③ Select “Tokyo” and “〇〇 Ward” to display the target spot name
④ Click “Decide”
⑤ “Agree”
⑥ Enter credit card, mobile number, etc.
⑦ The password is issued, and an email is sent to the registered address, completing the process
＊The entire process takes about 1 minute.
＊When actually using it, an email with “required time, power consumption, and fee” is instantly sent after charging, which is very convenient.

Unable to charge at Tokyo Midtown, but possible at Roppongi Hills?

After registering with Japan Charge Network (JCN), I confirmed on “EVsmart” that the connector at Tokyo Midtown is J1772 and went to charge.

First, I input the password, etc., into the controller to start charging, but despite trying several locations, I couldn’t charge. Although the connector was securely attached, the charging controller didn’t recognize it, and I couldn’t enter the password. After several inquiries to the dealer, I received a response that “the charging port at Tokyo Midtown is not compatible, but charging is possible at Roppongi Hills,” so I decided to try Roppongi Hills next.

I quickly went to the charging port at Roppongi Hills, attached the connector, and the red light on the right lit up (it didn’t light up at Midtown). After that, I entered the password into the controller, and charging began. Success! Haha

The P2 parking lot at Roppongi Hills has a total of 240 charging ports across three floors from the second basement to the fourth basement. However, only 2-3 ports are in use whenever I visit. Why did Mori Building create so many ports? (Not that it’s my concern, haha)

Is it inevitable to charge more often at Porsche Centers?

Ultimately, there were only a few charging spots near my home besides the Porsche Center. So, owners with a nearby Porsche Center will likely charge there more often, but it’s generally only available on weekdays and requires a reservation in advance, so I recommend checking beforehand. (＊Some Porsche Centers do not have charging ports)

Incidentally, for my Panamera 4E Hybrid, the kWh required for 1 km of driving is about 3.5 (the display range so far is 3.4~3.6), so charging at a regular port for about 4 hours increases the E-driving range by about 41-42 km.

However, the “E-driving possible range of 50 km” is a figure under optimal conditions, and the full-charge driving range in the city is at best 35-40 km, and it might be challenging to reach even half of 25 km in summer with the air conditioner running.

Furthermore, all charging spots at service areas on highways in the southeastern Tohoku to Tokai regions I visited were “CHAdeMO (authentication system: NCS).” Also, for the Panamera 4E Hybrid, it takes 4.4 hours to fully charge from zero with normal 200V charging, so charging at a service area might be a bit impractical.

6) Parking

As I mentioned in the previous article, I hadn’t driven for 11 years, so when I first parked the over 5-meter-long, nearly 2-meter-wide vehicle in a 1950mm-wide multi-story parking lot, I was sweating despite it being mid-winter (laughs). Initially, I couldn’t grasp the car’s width, and the park assist warning sound was constantly on. Now I can park smoothly, but initially, it was a cycle of “one step forward, two steps back.”

Assume you can’t park in city coin parking lots

I’ve never parked in a city coin parking lot. I’ve never seen a parking lot in the city that can accommodate the Panamera 4E Hybrid’s parking restrictions. In my case, the only places I’ve parked in Tokyo are mainly Roppongi Hills or Mori Building-related parking lots.

When asked, “Aren’t you dissatisfied with limited parking and lack of maneuverability?” I have no complaints at all (laughs). Once you experience the Panamera’s superb driving performance and allure, parking space issues become insignificant.

Check parking space in advance at travel accommodations

I love hot spring trips, and before purchasing the Panamera, I often traveled to hot springs nationwide by plane. This year, I’ve already visited about five times with the Panamera 4E Hybrid, and I always confirm the parking situation with the accommodation in advance.

Parking in a narrow space and having the car next to you open their door with a “bang!” would be a shame for the Panamera.

When making a reservation, I always confirm, “The car is slightly large, so could you possibly secure space for two cars?” Every hotel and inn I’ve stayed at has been accommodating.

7) Options I Wish I Had / Points for Improvement

Options I wish I had added

It’s been about six months since delivery, but if I were to purchase a new Panamera 4E Hybrid, the must-have options would be:

① 20-inch wheels… I originally wanted 20-inch wheels, but was advised that “the ride might become uncomfortable,” so I went with 19-inch. However, after reading the article “Why my husband chose 21-inch wheels for the Panamera Turbo”, I thought, “I should have gone with 20-inch!”
② Rear axle steering… I want to experience the sensation of “feeling like a wide turn at first, but then it turns sharply.”
③ Soft-close doors… To prevent the half-door warning sound

Additionally, I’d like to try adaptive cruise control and sports exhaust, but I’m concerned that the vehicle weight might exceed the weight limit of the apartment’s multi-story parking lot.

However, it’s currently difficult to accurately determine the vehicle weight with options installed, so I hope to share such information in the Porsche Owners File in the future.

The navigation system is a bit cumbersome

There are no major complaints, but if I had to point out an area for improvement, it would be that the navigation system feels a bit imprecise. While the distance and arrival time are accurate, there seems to be a slight lag in point movement and map zooming. Sometimes I wonder, “Why did it choose this route?”

The gas tank cap is hard to close

Also, on a minor note, the gas tank cap is hard to close. When I first had it done by a gas station attendant, they said, “I don’t quite get it…” (laughs). However, once you get used to it, it’s not a problem at all.

8) Overall Evaluation of the Panamera 4E Hybrid

No Panamera, No Life!!

I can’t say much since I haven’t fully explored the sporty driving in Sport or Sport Plus mode yet, but the torquey sound and the feeling of surging forward are fantastic. Despite its large body, the Panamera offers a smooth ride that sometimes feels like it’s hugging the road, which is unique for a car of this size. As I become more adept at driving it, I believe I’ll experience a sense of unity between driver and car.

Additionally, while other cars require pressing the accelerator to reach 150 km/h, the Panamera 4E Hybrid surpasses 150 km/h before you realize it. (I usually adhere to the legal speed limits) This difference is significant. With a 4WD capable of a top speed of 278 km/h, drivers can confidently entrust themselves to the car.

Recently, I test-drove another German car, but honestly, I found it “lacking and dull.” Once you become a Porsche owner, it’s hard to switch to another car, which is a bit daunting (laughs). It’s truly “No Panamera, No Life!”

On a personal note, I’ve been intrigued by the “live crab” at Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Honkan for a few years. It’s inconvenient to visit from Tokyo using public transportation, so I’m considering a trip with the Panamera, and I’m already looking forward to it.

That said, it’s only been a little over six months since delivery. I’m just beginning to truly appreciate the Panamera 4E Hybrid, so I’m excited and somehow feel a sense of anticipation.

9) What Does Porsche Mean to You?

Finally, what does Porsche mean to you?

“It’s pure excitement!”

I believe that seeking a car that excites you, feeling that thrill when you press the accelerator, and looking forward to a long relationship with it is what it’s all about!

I, too, was captivated by the allure of the Panamera, which led me to start this blog. Reading Porporu 4E’s words, I found myself nodding in agreement, thinking, “Yes, exactly!” I hope the charm of this ultimate sports car, the Panamera, reaches more people. Thank you, Porporu 4E, for providing this valuable information.