Porsche may still move forward with the electric successor to the 718 Boxster despite recent speculation that the project could be canceled. A senior Porsche executive has now reportedly confirmed that he has driven the prototype, suggesting the model remains in active development. The comments come as Porsche continues to reassess its electrification roadmap amid slowing EV demand worldwide.
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Porsche Australia Boss Has Driven The Boxster EV!
Daniel Schmollinger, managing director and CEO of Porsche Cars Australia, told Australian publication Carsales that he recently drove the electric Boxster. He did not, however, provide a launch timeline but described the car as ‘impressive to drive’.
Schmollinger said the electric powertrain delivers strong dynamics and a playful character on track. He described the handling as “very go-kart-like,” suggesting Porsche has preserved the agility that defines the Boxster. His comments indicate the car is already in an advanced testing phase.
Porsche Originally Planned An All-Electric 718
Porsche first announced plans to electrify the 718 lineup about four years ago. At that time, EV demand was rising quickly and global emissions rules were tightening. The plan was to replace the current petrol-powered 718 models with fully electric successors. That decision drew criticism from enthusiasts. They feared an electric powertrain could dilute the character of the 718 range.
The Company Still Reviewing Powertrain Options
Global EV growth has slowed down lately. Porsche’s EV strategy has been facing scrutiny due to the same. Earlier reports suggested Porsche was exploring ways to adapt the next-generation 718 platform for combustion engines.
When asked whether the future 718 could also offer petrol power, Schmollinger declined to comment. He said Porsche headquarters regularly reviews product plans and evaluates new opportunities every few months.
For now, the electric Boxster appears to remain part of Porsche’s product roadmap. The fact that senior executives are already testing the vehicle suggests development is progressing.
However, Porsche has not confirmed whether the next-generation 718 will be fully electric or offer multiple powertrains. The final decision will likely depend on market demand and regulatory pressures in the coming years.
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Why Developing An Electric Sports Car Is Difficult
Turning a lightweight mid-engine sports car into an electric vehicle presents several engineering challenges. One of the biggest issues is battery packaging. Sports cars like the 718 rely on compact platforms and excel with their weight distribution. Adding large battery packs can significantly increase weight and alter the handling balance.
Maintaining Porsche’s signature driving dynamics while accommodating electric powertrains requires extensive chassis development. Engineers must ensure that the EV version still feels agile and responsive. This process is complex and is one of the reasons why the project has reportedly got delayed.
The next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman EVs are expected to use a derivative of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. This platform is being developed within the Volkswagen Group and will also underpin several larger EVs.
PPE is designed to support high-performance electric vehicles with advanced battery systems, powerful motors, and fast charging capabilities. Adapting this architecture for use on a compact sports car like the 718 requires significant engineering work.
The Boxster and Cayman have long served as the gateway to Porsche sports cars. Replacing these with compelling EV successors is a critical part of Porsche’s long-term strategy.
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Porsche 718 EV Project: The Real Challenge
The crisis at Northvolt created significant uncertainty around the development of the electric Porsche 718 lineup. Porsche had selected Northvolt as the sole battery supplier for the upcoming 718 Boxster EV and 718 Cayman electric. These battery packs feature cells which have high energy density and compact packaging. These traits are important for accommodating the battery in the platform adapted for the 718 EV range. This also helps ensure optimal weight distribution.
When Northvolt entered financial distress and moved toward bankruptcy proceedings. Its assets have now been taken over by the US battery startup Lyten, which is also trying to revive parts of the business. Northvolt’s fall meant Porsche suddenly faced a potential disruption in battery supply for the 718 EV project.
This forced the company to reassess its sourcing strategy and explore alternative suppliers for the battery cells. Switching suppliers at this stage could require adjustments to the battery pack design and vehicle engineering, adding development complexity and delaying the project.
