Porsche’s electric 718 project has taken longer than expected, but it hasn’t been shelved.
The future battery-powered Boxster and Cayman remain part of the brand’s product plan, with Porsche CEO Michael Leiters confirming that the company still intends to build the models.
That matters because the 718 sits at the heart of Porsche’s compact sports car identity, where steering feel, balance and packaging are every bit as important as headline power.
At a glance
- Porsche has reaffirmed development of the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman despite a shifted timeline.
- Lightly camouflaged prototypes suggest the cars will keep the compact footprint, low stance and familiar proportions of the current 718 line.
- Power, range, pricing and launch timing have not yet been announced.
A delayed electric 718 with clear backing
Leiters has made it clear that the electric 718 is still coming, framing the project as both commercially sensible and true to Porsche’s sports car brief.
“With the electric 718, we came to the conclusion that we will build the model – because it is the best solution economically and will be a fantastic car,” he said.
That’s a significant statement for a model line carrying a lot of expectation.
The 718 Boxster and Cayman have long been the most compact, agile sports cars in Porsche’s range, and moving them to electric power raises obvious questions about weight, feedback and the character that buyers expect from the badge.
Prototypes keep the familiar 718 silhouette
Porsche hasn’t shown the production cars yet, but development vehicles have already been seen testing on public roads and at the Nürburgring.
The lightly camouflaged prototypes point to an evolutionary design approach rather than a radical visual break.
From what can be seen, Porsche appears to be preserving the 718’s compact footprint, low-slung posture and balanced proportions.
That restraint is important, because the 718’s appeal has never depended on excess size or visual drama.
Its shape is tied closely to its function, with the Boxster offering the open-top experience and the Cayman delivering the fixed-roof coupe format.
The unanswered performance questions
Porsche has not released confirmed power figures, battery details, range estimates or charging specifications for the electric 718 models.
Pricing and market launch timing also remain unannounced.
Those missing details will define how the car is received by traditional Porsche enthusiasts and new EV buyers alike.
An electric 718 will need to feel precise and compact, not simply quick, because acceleration alone won’t be enough in a segment built around driver involvement.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
|---|---|
| Models | 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman |
| Powertrain | Electric |
| Body styles | Roadster and coupe |
| Development status | Confirmed, with shifted timing |
| Testing | Public roads and the Nürburgring |
| Confirmed output | Not announced |
| Range | Not announced |
| Price | Not announced |
| Availability | Not announced |
The electric 718 is shaping up to be one of Porsche’s most important next steps, not because it will be the brand’s fastest EV, but because it has to translate a small, tactile sports car formula into a new era without losing the point of the car.
