Porsche is officially steering the 718 Cayman and Boxster into the electric age, with all‑new EV versions expected to arrive around 2027 on a dedicated performance platform. The move will transform Porsche’s mid‑engine sports‑car duo into battery‑powered coupes and roadsters while aiming to keep the sharp handling and driver focus that made the 718 nameplate famous.
When The Electric 718s Are Coming
Porsche originally planned to unveil the electric successors to the 718 Cayman and Boxster in the mid‑2020s, but battery‑supply issues and broader strategy tweaks have pushed the launch back. Production of the current petrol 718 models is set to wind down around 2026, with the new electric versions now widely expected to debut in 2026 and hit markets as 2027 model‑year cars. Some markets, including parts of Europe and North America, could see the first deliveries in late 2026, while others may wait until 2027 as Porsche ramps up output and adjusts for local regulations and charging infrastructure.
Platform, Power And Range
The electric 718s will not be simple conversions of today’s cars; they are being built on a dedicated EV sports‑car architecture closely related to the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) co‑developed with Audi for the Macan EV and A6 e‑tron. This platform brings an 800‑volt electrical system, allowing very high DC fast‑charging speeds (up to roughly 270 kW in related models) and repeated hard acceleration with less heat build‑up.
Powertrain expectations include:
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Base models with a single rear motor making at least 300 hp (about 221 kW).
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Higher‑spec S or GTS versions with dual‑motor all‑wheel drive and outputs north of 400 hp, with talk of potential “Turbo” variants going significantly higher.
Target driving range is generally quoted between about 250 and 320 miles (400–515 km), depending on battery size, motor count and wheel/tire choices—numbers that line up with performance‑oriented EVs like the Taycan and Macan Electric.
Early Snapshot: Electric 718 Cayman & Boxster
| Item | Expected EV 718 figure / feature |
|---|---|
| First market launches | 2026–2027 model year |
| Platform | New sports‑car EV platform, PPE‑based |
| Power (base) | At least 300 hp, rear‑wheel drive |
| Power (S / GTS variants) | 400+ hp, dual‑motor all‑wheel drive possible |
| Estimated 0–100 km/h | Around 4 s for base, as low as ~2.8 s for top trims |
| Target range | Roughly 250–320 miles (400–515 km) |
Design: Familiar Shape, New Details
Spy photos and early renderings suggest the electric Cayman and Boxster will keep the general proportions enthusiasts know—low nose, compact cabin, wide rear haunches—but with cleaner surfacing and Taycan‑inspired lighting. Because the battery pack sits in the floor rather than behind the seats, Porsche has more freedom to optimise luggage space and aerodynamics while preserving a low seating position and the “cocooned” feel of a mid‑engine sports car. Expect subtle aero aids, active cooling flaps and carefully sculpted intakes that channel air to brakes and battery coolers rather than a traditional radiator.
Driving Experience: Keeping The 718 Feel
The biggest concern among purists is whether an electric 718 can still feel like a 718. Porsche’s engineers are working to keep weight in check using bonded aluminium structures, compact motors and a relatively narrow, low battery pack, with some prototypes targeting curb weights around 1,700 kg—heavy compared with current cars but light for a modern EV. Rear‑drive base versions should retain the playful, adjustable balance that made the Cayman and Boxster favourites on track days, while dual‑motor variants add traction and brutal straight‑line speed.
Expect:
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Very low centre of gravity thanks to the battery in the floor.
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Highly configurable drive modes to tailor steering weight, damping and power delivery.
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Sophisticated torque‑vectoring that can mimic the rotation of a mid‑engine car even with batteries under the cabin.
Several reports also mention simulated shift steps and engineered sound profiles to give drivers more feedback than a completely silent, single‑speed EV.
Charging And Everyday Usability
With an 800‑volt system and Taycan‑style fast‑charging, the electric 718s are expected to go from about 10–80% charge in just over 20 minutes on a suitably powerful public charger, making them more practical for road trips than early EV sports cars. Around town, home and workplace AC charging will still do most of the daily work, and Porsche is likely to offer intelligent route planning and battery‑preconditioning features that prep the pack for rapid charging stops. Cabin tech should include a Taycan‑inspired digital cockpit, the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system and a mix of physical controls and touch surfaces tuned for driving, not just tech gimmicks.
What This Means For Petrol 718 Fans
Porsche has confirmed that the electric sports car will ultimately replace today’s petrol 718 range, although later updates suggest some limited‑run combustion “halo” variants may appear further into the cycle. For most buyers, though, the future Cayman and Boxster experience will be electric only. That makes the current 4.0‑litre GTS and Spyder models likely future classics, while the EVs become the brand’s main way to offer compact, relatively attainable sports cars in an emissions‑tight world.
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FAQs
Q: When will the electric 718 Cayman and Boxster arrive?
A: Porsche is expected to launch the electric 718 duo around 2026 as 2027 model‑year cars, with some markets getting them in 2027.
Q: Will they still be rear‑wheel drive?
A: Base models are expected to be rear‑drive, with higher trims offering dual‑motor all‑wheel drive for more power and grip.
Q: How far will they go on a charge?
A: Early estimates point to roughly 250–320 miles (400–515 km) of range, depending on battery size and specification.
