Porsche recently announced software changes for the 2023 model year Taycan, which will also be made available for previous model years. The most significant software updates include new Normal and Range modes on dual-motor variants that can decouple the front motor and improve battery preconditioning.

This essentially means all-wheel-drive versions of the 2023 Porsche Taycan (including the 4, 4S, GTS, Turbo, and Turbo S) can run as rear-wheel-drive to conserve battery range. Theoretically, this should raise the total driving distance. We asked Porsche how much this might be.

"We are expecting revised [range] numbers but we aren't sure when we will get them. When the EPA does their testing, they will confirm," Calvin Kim, Product Spokesperson for Porsche Cars North America, told us.

As of right now, the entire 2023 Taycan lineup EPA ratings are listed at "TBD" on Porsche's website. Last year's EPA numbers ranged from 199 miles (4S Performance battery) up to 227 miles (4S Performance Battery Plus), and Kim confirmed "we will not re-homologate" the 2022 model year vehicles.

However, any car with this new software upgrade should see some real-world gains. Porsche's website mentions independent AMCI testing that could net range improvements of up to 82 miles (depending on trim), with ratings spanning from 272 to 282 miles.

"We aren't confirming it will improve range, but it will improve performance (and range is part of performance)," Kim explained. "Should there be any improvement, you will see the most benefit on the AWD, but this software improvement stems from the RWD model. What we learned from rear-drive and applied to the rest of the range."

In addition to potential range benefits, the software will improve charging speeds. Kim says Porsche will not publish any changes to the Taycan's 5-80% charging speed, but the ability to precondition the battery means owners will hit the car's 270 kW peak charge quicker and hold it longer.

"I call it 'on-ramping.' Before the update, it's as if you are starting on the hard shoulder with no running start," Kim described. After the update, the car can arrive at the charger with a higher battery temperature (analogous to room on an on-ramp) so it can immediately begin charging at peak speeds when it arrives at the station. "We can't quote an exact time because they will be different for everyone and depend on external factors," he added.

Porsche will announce when this update is available for the previous model year Taycans. It will require a trip to the dealership, but Kim believes this may be the final software update that will. All future updates should be over-the-air.