The electric motor is – unlike for the rear axle – a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with internal rotor. This type of electric motor concentrates particularly great power output on a small volume with high rotary speed and low weight.

The downstream gearbox is set up for the best possible performance both when pulling away and driving around the circuit. The constant gear ratio is selected in such a way that at low driving speeds a high level of torque is generated. The electric motor reaches its maximum rotary speed at 16,000 rpm, which equates to a vehicle speed of around 265 km/h. Above this driving speed the gearbox and the electric motor are decoupled via the integrated claw coupling. The electric all-wheel drive function is thus practically available at all times.

Hybrid module with innovative cooling system

For the rear-axle-mounted, permanent-magnet synchronous motor with external rotor and single-tooth winding Porsche has developed an innovative cooling concept, making it the first hybrid motor cooled both with water and air. As the electric motor has a power output of over a third more again than in the Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Panamera S E-Hybrid, there is an increased need to dissipate heat. The Porsche engineers have come up with a new cooling concept, in which the stator, i.e. the fixed inner section of the electric motor, is water-cooled as before. The permanent magnets of the outer, rotating section are, on the other hand, cooled by air. This is done by a fan wheel that sucks the outside air over the air filter via an air duct with a manifold. Numerous ducts arranged inside the housing draw off the heat, resulting in homogeneous airflow distribution and even cooling of the windings. This extremely powerful cooling system is a prerequisite for high levels of continuous power output, for example on the racetrack.

Lithium-ion battery with plug-in charging system

The 918 Spyder's traction battery is more powerful than any other electric energy storage currently being used in hybrid vehicles: at 1.7 kW/kg it has the highest specific power output of all hybrid batteries and delivers both with the e-boost and during energy recuperation an extremely high output level of 230 kW. In order to meet the great demands by the electric motors, the individual cells of the traction battery have been developed specifically for the 918 Spyder and geared to top performance. The battery is housed in a transverse position in the floor of the monocoque chassis behind the seats. It can be charged either with alternating current via the on-board charger or with direct current via the optional Porsche Speed Charging Station. The charge socket is integrated into the right B-pillar behind a flap.