Porsche 718 Boxster EV: An All-Electric Update to the Iconic Sports Car

Porsche 718 Boxster EV: The All-Electric Revolution of an Icon

Porsche’s move toward electrification is gaining momentum, with the highly anticipated 718 Boxster EV slated for a 2025 launch. The electric version of this iconic sports car aims to merge Porsche’s heritage with cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard in the electric sports car market.

The Shift to Electrification

In 2022, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume confirmed that the company plans to electrify the 718 series by the middle of the decade, making the Boxster and Cayman fully electric. This announcement followed the reveal of the Mission R concept in 2021, which served as a preview of what to expect from Porsche’s future electric sports cars.
The Mission R showcased a dual-motor powertrain producing over 1,000bhp, a cutting-edge battery system, and innovative design elements. While the production Boxster EV will adopt a more practical setup, it will retain the core elements that define Porsche’s driving philosophy.

Evolving Design

Prototypes of the electric Boxster have been spotted during testing, providing a glimpse of its design evolution. While the car retains the proportions of the current mid-engined model, it introduces several modern updates:
• Front End: The headlight design is inspired by the Taycan and Macan EV, signaling Porsche’s new design language.
• Rear Profile: The exhaust outlets have been removed, and the rear features a full-width LED light bar, a signature trait of Porsche’s electric lineup.
• Streamlined Bodywork: The ridges behind the fabric roof are gone, creating a smoother, more refined appearance.
• Extended Wheelbase: The longer wheelbase accommodates a battery pack, similar to the Mission R’s 82kWh unit.
These design changes are not just cosmetic but also functional, aligning with the car’s new electric architecture.

Unique Battery Layout

One of the most innovative aspects of the 718 Boxster EV is its battery placement. Unlike most electric vehicles, which house the battery under the floor, the Boxster’s battery is positioned behind the passenger cell. This layout mimics the weight distribution of a traditional mid-engined sports car, maintaining the driving dynamics that Porsche enthusiasts expect.
This design also allows for a low seating position, a hallmark of the sports car experience, ensuring the electric version stays true to the Boxster’s DNA.

Performance Expectations

While Porsche has not disclosed detailed specifications for the Boxster EV, the Mission R concept provides some clues. The concept featured:
• Dual-Motor Setup: Generating 1,073bhp.
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds.
• Top Speed: 180mph.
The production Boxster EV is unlikely to replicate these extreme figures, as they are reserved for track-focused models. However, it is expected to outperform the current petrol-powered Boxster, which accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. Porsche is likely to strike a balance between performance, range, and practicality, making the car a versatile option for sports car enthusiasts.