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Porsche has talked about making the Boxster all-electric for a long time. Finally it’s breaking ground. The 718 will become fully-electric by the year 2025 according to various reports, including Car and Driver. The Taycan proved that Porsche has what it takes to build a proper electric sports car, and now it’s taking the next step with one of its most popular vehicles. This is what we know so far.

Will the electric 718 be sold in the U.S.?

Porsche 718 on display in Shanghai
Porsche 718 on display in Shanghai | HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

The electric 718 will be sold in the U.S., however, the 911 won’t be receiving an electric powertrain anytime soon. As far as the motor is concerned, the 718 will include an electric motor at the front as well as the back, thus making it the first all-wheel-drive Boxster and Cayman. 

Porsche is clear there will be very little overlap with the 911, if any. The 911 will stay gas-powered, so it won’t be competition for the 718 in that respect. Also, the electric 718 will be based on its own platform.

The electric 718 will contend against EV stigmas

Porsche 718 on display in Guangzhou
Porsche 718 on display in Guangzhou | VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Porsche has also spoken to the weight of the car. Electric cars can weigh a lot thanks to the batteries required to allow long range journeys. However, the 718 gets around this with an entirely new platform. Porsche have said the weight target of the electric 718 is less than 3,650 pounds. 

Another worry with electric cars will always be range. Porsche’s minimum range is 250 miles to a charge, but charging times are another EV deterrent. The Porsche Taycan has proven this isn’t as big of an issue anymore. The Taycan can charge up to 80-percent in 22.5 minutes, thanks to a direct current charge system. If the 718 came with even a dumbed down, cheaper version, that’s another EV woe put to rest. 

What will the electric 718 look like?

Porsche 718 on display in Guangzhou
Porsche 718 on display in Guangzhou | VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Exterior styling is yet unknown for certain, however some sources say it will be based on the MIssion R concept car. It’s a racecar with a massive rear wing, which the 718 would most likely not adopt. However, it does showcase a front-end similar to that of the Taycan. According to Car and Driver, having an electric motor at the front end may contribute to narrower headlights. 

What does this mean for EV sports cars?

Porsche 718 on display in Shanghai
Porsche 718 on display in Shanghai | Getty Images

The only proper electric roadster is the Tesla, which is going to cost well into supercar territory. The electric 718 could provide a more affordable roadster for consumers who want to break into the world of EV performance. Right now the duties of building an electric roadster is divided amongst various custom shops and a few startups, such as Aura. 

Having a name brand like Porsche develop a roadster could instill greater confidence in the product. Although pricing is still up for speculation, the current 718 is an entry level car for the brand and starts at $60,500. Considering what Porsche is planning, it’s a steal.

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MotorBiscuit Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Brian Grabianowski

An automotive journalist since 2008, Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from San Francisco State University and eloquently speaks on all manner of cars, from classics to new technology, reliability, and recalls.

Brian’s mechanical inclinations afford his work a first-hand lens on the ’90s automotive market and mods. Neither his first nor last project car, a 2002 Ford Mustang GT in True Blue Metallic, his third Pony, will keep him busy when he isn’t writing, with a new suspension and final drive ratio change on the to-do list. He’s also built a racing seat for simulator video games.