Porsche Rolls Out Electric 718 Cayman: Set to Revolutionize Sports Car Market

• Porsche has been spotted testing an electric 718 Cayman
• Expected to debut in late 2026, it will trail an electric 718 Boxster by about a year
• The gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman end production in 2025

Porsche enthusiasts are about to witness the advent of an electrified era in the brand’s lineup as Porsche unveils its inaugural electric sports car. This milestone will mark a significant shift from the iconic gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman to their electrified counterparts.

Introduction of Electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman

While the iconic 911 will continue to captivate the sports car world with its powerful engines, Porsche is stepping into the future with electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman. These upcoming models represent Porsche’s first foray into the electric sports car market. Recently, prototypes of the electric Cayman have been spotted, giving us a glimpse into the future. The electric Boxster, already prototyped, is expected to debut later this year, with the electric Cayman arriving in 2026.

Design Insights and Engineering Details

To maintain the brand’s reputation for design excellence, Porsche engineers have incorporated subtle yet distinctive features in the electric Cayman prototype. By mimicking the side windows of the 911, the engineers have aimed to preserve a touch of heritage while embracing innovation. Meanwhile, the prototype shares many design elements with the electric Boxster, both inspired by the 2021 Porsche Mission R concept unveiled at the Munich Auto Show. This concept car also signaled Porsche’s ambition to create an electric sports car for racing, with the hardware currently being tested separately in a prototype known as the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance.

Innovatively, both the electric Boxster and Cayman are expected to deviate from the ubiquitous modular skateboard-style platform seen in most electric vehicles. Instead, Porsche will adopt a dedicated design with T-shaped battery placement, ensuring optimal weight distribution and a low center of gravity, much like a mid-engine car. Notably, Maserati has employed a similar layout in the GranTurismo Folgore.

Performance and Drive Modes

The electric Cayman is expected to offer both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations to cater to different driving preferences. Power output and performance details are tantalizingly close to those seen in the Mission R concept, featuring 670 horsepower in race mode and an astounding 1,073 horsepower in qualifying mode. The transmission is designed around a single-speed system, offering a top speed exceeding 186 mph.

Porsche Mission R development

Comparing the Electric 718 Cayman to the 911

Even at the reported weight of approximately 3,650 pounds, the new electric Cayman could potentially rival the iconic 911 in performance. To maintain its relevance, Porsche plans to modify the 911’s powertrain to include hybrid technology while adhering to market regulations, as seen in the recently unveiled 2025 911 Carrera GTS range.

Electric Range and Future Considerations

While specific range figures for the electric Cayman and Boxster have yet to be announced, early estimates suggest an 80-kWh battery with approximately 250 miles of range. This range is comparable to other high-performance electric vehicles on the market, providing a solid foundation for enthusiast use.

2026 Porsche 718 Boxster EV spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf

Final Notes for Enthusiasts

For those passionate about the current gas-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman, it is paramount to note the production timeline. Porsche has announced the end of production for these models in 2025, with the likely final release planned for October. This transition signals a compelling reason for enthusiasts to consider purchasing one of these vehicles while they remain available.

The introduction of the electric 718 Cayman and Boxster marks a significant leap for Porsche, blending innovation with traditional excellence. The next few years will be crucial as Porsche aims to redefine what it means to be a sports car manufacturer in the electric vehicle era.

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