Porsche may cancel its pure‑electric 718 models amid soaring development costs and market pressures. Read on to discover what’s next for the sports car line.
Amid the wave of electrification sweeping the auto industry, Porsche’s iconic 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman face a dramatic shift. New reports suggest the German automaker may scrap its all‑electric 718 variants before they ever reach customers.
Why the 718 EV Was Born
For years, Porsche has been quietly engineering fully electric versions of its beloved 718 line, aiming to define the next generation of high‑performance sports cars. The planned Boxster EV and Cayman EV were touted as pivotal steps toward a zero‑emission future for the brand.
Rising Development Costs and Repeated Delays
According to a recent Carscoops investigation, development expenses have escalated far beyond initial estimates. Coupled with a string of postponements, the project now sits at a crossroads: cancel it before the models ever roll off the production line.
New Leadership, New Priorities
Michael Leiters, Porsche’s newly appointed CEO as of early 2026, is reportedly reevaluating the 718 EV programme. With sales slipping in certain markets, higher taxes on emissions, and rising manufacturing costs, the company is under pressure to tighten its budget after an aggressive push into electric vehicles.
What Could Replace the 718 EV?
If the pure‑electric 718 is cancelled, Porsche may explore alternative paths:
- Adding a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) version to the existing 718 lineup.
- Re‑starting development on an entirely new electric architecture, though this would require fresh investment and push the launch window even further out.
Both options carry risks, especially as rivals already have comparable models in or near market.
Potential Gap in Porsche’s Portfolio
Current internal‑combustion 718s have already stopped taking new orders and are winding down production in Europe and other regions. Without a timely electric replacement, Porsche could face a noticeable void in its small‑sports‑car segment for years to come.
Official Stance and Outlook
Porsche has not issued a formal comment on the rumors, nor confirmed any concrete production schedule for future 718 EV or hybrid models. Yet the combination of soaring development costs and a shifting product strategy casts serious doubt on the future of an all‑electric 718.
Watch this space for updates as Porsche navigates the balance between heritage performance and the demands of a rapidly electrifying market.