Porsche's Electric 718 Future in Doubt: Cayman and Boxster EVs Reportedly on the Chopping Block
In a move that could disappoint sports car purists and EV enthusiasts alike, Porsche is weighing the cancellation of its planned all-electric 718 Cayman and Boxster models before they reach production, according to a Bloomberg report. The potential decision, still under review by new CEO Michael Leiters, underscores the mounting pressures facing even premium automakers in the costly transition to electrification.
Citing anonymous sources familiar with internal discussions, Bloomberg indicates that development delays and ballooning costs are primary factors. This comes as Porsche navigates a perfect storm of slumping sales in the critical Chinese market and rising operational expenses tied to its broader EV strategy overhaul.
The electric 718 program has been a saga of shifting plans. Initially envisioned for a 2025 launch, the project has seen repeated delays. Porsche's commitment appeared to waver last fall when it stopped taking U.S. orders for the current 718 line while simultaneously recommitting to a next-generation internal combustion engine for the high-performance RS variants. The company later confirmed plans to adapt the 718 platform to accommodate both electric and combustion powertrains—a flexibility that now may never materialize for the EV versions.
Industry analysts suggest shelving the 718 EVs could be a pragmatic, if painful, financial decision. It would allow Porsche to reallocate resources toward more profitable or strategically vital projects, such as the Macan EV and the upcoming electric Cayenne. The brand's first dedicated EV, the Taycan, has faced its own sales challenges, highlighting the difficulty of translating Porsche's driving dynamics into a profitable electric format at the smaller sports car price point.
Porsche has not officially commented on the report. A final decision from Leiters is pending.
What Enthusiasts Are Saying
Marcus Chen, Automotive Analyst: "This isn't just about one model. It's a signal that the economics of small, performance-focused EVs are incredibly tough. Porsche may be prioritizing segments where margins and volume align better with electrification costs."
Elena Rossi, Porsche Club Member: "I've had a deposit down for 18 months. This is heartbreaking. The electric Boxster promised a new kind of purity—instant torque, low center of gravity, silent acceleration. It felt like the future of the open-top sports car."
David K. Miller, Industry Blogger: "Typical corporate cowardice. They teased us for years with the promise of an electric mid-engine revolution, only to get cold feet. It shows a lack of conviction in their own EV technology. First, they water down the platform for ICE, now they might kill the EV entirely. What's the vision?"
Sophie Williams, EV Infrastructure Consultant: "From a portfolio strategy view, it makes sense. The 718 EV always occupied a niche within a niche. In a capital-constrained environment, focusing on SUVs and sedans that cross-subsidize the halo cars is the brutal reality of the business."