Porsche CEO Commends Electric 718 Project: 'Exceptional Vehicle'

• Porsche's current CEO has already experienced driving the electric Boxster/Cayman.
• The electric 718 model is still forthcoming.
• Additional information is expected this autumn.

Since Porsche revealed its plan to electrify the next generation of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, numerous discussions have taken place. The announcement was made nearly four years ago, in March 2022, when then-CEO Oliver Blume confirmed the electric 718 would debut around the middle of this decade.

Although the battery-powered entry-level sports car has yet to reach dealerships as of early 2026, the project remains very much alive. Michael Leiters, Porsche’s new CEO, touched on the electric 718 during a recent earnings call, emphasizing ongoing testing and development. He also commended the engineering team responsible for the EV:

"I can confirm that we tested our entire product range last week, and I have driven the 718 multiple times. It’s an outstanding vehicle, and the team working on it deserves recognition for their excellent efforts."

Leiters also mentioned that Porsche plans to reveal more about the product lineup in the fall, suggesting the production version of the Boxster/Cayman EV will likely debut then. Even with a fall unveiling, deliveries probably won't begin before 2027.

Earlier this month, another senior Porsche executive dispelled rumors about the electric 718 being scrapped. Daniel Schmollinger, the company’s Australia Managing Director and CEO, praised the car after a test drive:

"While the release date remains uncertain, I had the opportunity to drive the prototype on a racetrack, and it was truly impressive. A Boxster-style car should offer excellent weight distribution and a playful, go-kart feel – and this EV delivers on that promise, with even more dynamic performance thanks to its electric powertrain."

Initially, Porsche intended for the electric models to fully replace the gasoline-powered 718s. However, after halting production of the internal combustion versions last October, the traditional Boxster and Cayman are set to return later this decade, likely as higher-end variants featuring six-cylinder engines.

Looking ahead, Leiters explained that Porsche is reimagining how sports cars are developed, aiming to find new efficiencies by sharing components across different models. This strategy is designed to reduce costs and accelerate the pace of introducing new vehicles.

Collaboration and Future Models

The cooperation between Porsche and Audi extends beyond their own lineups. Jochen Breckner, Porsche’s Executive Board Member for Finance and IT, disclosed during the conference that Porsche paid Audi approximately €1 billion ($1.1 billion) for licensing rights. This payment covers multiple shared models, not just the Q5-based gas crossover.

One notable project is Audi’s Concept C, slated for production within two years. The upcoming model will be fully electric, featuring an innovative retractable targa roof, mirroring the concept. The initial version offers a single motor with rear-wheel drive, while a dual-motor Quattro option is also planned.