Electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman: The Next-Generation EV Sports Cars
Porsche is preparing to redefine its entry-level sports car lineup with the fully electric successors to the 718 Boxster and Cayman. Originally announced for a mid-decade launch, the program has evolved amid development challenges and stricter emissions regulations. Production of the current combustion-powered 718 models (982 series) is scheduled to end in late 2025, paving the way for the all-new electric variants expected as 2027 model-year vehicles.
Platform and Architecture: A Dedicated EV Sports Car Base
The next 718 rides on a bespoke electric sports car platform derived from the Volkswagen Group's SSP Sport architecture (part of the broader Scalable Systems Platform family). This setup is entirely new and shares no major components with the outgoing flat-four or flat-six models to avoid compromises in packaging, weight distribution, or performance.
Key features include:
- 800-volt electrical system (inherited from Taycan and Macan EV) for ultra-fast charging up to 270–320 kW
- Battery pack positioned low and centrally (behind the seats, in traditional mid-engine location) to maintain the legendary 718 balance
- Targeted curb weight around 1,650–1,650 kg (3,638 lb) — remarkably light for a modern EV
- First-ever all-wheel-drive option in the 718 family via dual motors
Porsche has confirmed the cars will assemble alongside the 911 in Zuffenhausen on a flexible line capable of handling both EV and combustion vehicles.
Powertrain and Performance Expectations
Official specifications remain under wraps, but prototypes and insider reports point to a modular setup:
Variant | Drive | Power (est.) | Torque (est.) | 0-60 mph (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Base 718 EV (RWD) | Rear | 350–450 hp | 400–500 Nm | ~4.5–5.0 s |
718 EV 4 / 4S | AWD | 500–600 hp | 700–800 Nm | ~3.5–4.0 s |
Top-tier (GT/Turbo S eq.) | AWD | 800–1,000+ hp peak | 900+ Nm | <3.0 s |
- Single-speed transmission (like Mission R concept) for instant response and high top speed (>280 km/h possible)
- Rear-wheel-drive base models to preserve classic Porsche handling purity
- Advanced torque vectoring, active aerodynamics, and simulated gearbox sound (Porsche Electric Sport Sound)
The cars draw heavy inspiration from the 2021 Mission R concept (1,073 hp peak, 680 hp continuous, ~1,500 kg) and the GT4 e-Performance racer.
Battery, Range, and Charging
- Battery capacity: ~80–85 kWh (prismatic cells, similar to Macan EV)
- Estimated WLTP range: 400–500 km (250–310 miles EPA)
- 800V architecture enables 5–80% charge in under 25 minutes at 270+ kW stations
- On-board 11 kW AC charger standard, optional 22 kW
Porsche prioritizes driving dynamics over maximum range — the battery is sized for spirited performance without excessive weight.
Design Evolution: Mission R DNA Meets Production Reality
Spy shots reveal evolutionary styling with clear ties to the Mission R concept:
- Wider, lower stance with pronounced fenders
- Full-width LED light bars front and rear
- Active aero elements (deployable rear wing, adjustable front splitter)
- Frunk + rear storage (battery placement frees traditional engine bay)
- Boxster retains fabric soft-top (electric operation, <12 seconds)
- Cayman keeps sleek fixed-roof profile
Interior expected to be the “most modern Porsche cockpit yet” — large curved digital cluster, minimal physical buttons, augmented-reality head-up display, and sustainable materials.
Trim Levels and Pricing Outlook
The lineup will mirror current structure:
- 718 EV (base)
- 718 EV 4 / 4S
- GTS 4.0 EV replacement (mid-tier performance)
- Possible GT4/RS equivalents with extreme track focus
Starting price estimated to start around €85,000–€95,000 in Europe ($90,000–$100,000 USD), roughly €15,000–20,000 more than current combustion models due to EV technology.
Timeline and Market Launch
- Combustion 718 production ends: October 2025 (due to cybersecurity regulations (UNECE R155/R156)
- Electric 718 Boxster reveal: expected late 2025 – early 2026
- Electric 718 Cayman reveal: ~6–12 months after Boxster
- First customer deliveries: 2026 (Boxster) and 2027 (Cayman)
Porsche has repeatedly emphasized that the electric 718 will deliver “pure driving emotion” with no compromise on handling or feedback. Synthetic engine sound, precise weight distribution, and advanced chassis tech (rear-axle steering, torque vectoring) will ensure it feels like a true Porsche sports car — just silent and instantly responsive.
The wait continues, but when the electric 718 finally arrives, it promises to set a new benchmark for what an EV sports car can be: lightweight, mid-engined perfection in the battery era.
