Porsche is accelerating into the electric vehicle market, and its iconic sports car lineup is next in line for electrification. While the world anticipates an electric 911, Porsche is strategically introducing battery power to its 718 Boxster and Cayman models first. Enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the Cayman Ev, and now, spy shots confirm that the electric version of this beloved coupe is indeed undergoing rigorous testing, signaling its imminent arrival.
Prototypes of the electric Boxster have been observed for over a year, paving the way for its debut, likely later this year. This timeline suggests that the Cayman EV will follow closely, potentially hitting the market in 2026. Automotive experts predict the electric Cayman will inherit design cues from the electric Boxster prototypes, while Porsche engineers cleverly camouflage the test model with 911-esque side window styling. However, a closer look reveals design elements reminiscent of the groundbreaking Porsche Mission R concept unveiled at the 2021 Munich auto show. This concept not only previewed the design direction of the electric Cayman but also highlighted Porsche’s ambition to develop electric sports cars for competitive racing, exemplified by the 718 Cayman GT4 ePerformance prototype.
Porsche Mission R concept
The Porsche Mission R concept, a design study that strongly influenced the styling of the upcoming Cayman EV.
Unlike many EVs built on modular skateboard platforms, the Cayman EV is expected to utilize a dedicated architecture. This innovative design places batteries in a T-shaped configuration, running through the center tunnel and behind the seats. This strategic layout is crucial for maintaining a low vehicle height and achieving weight distribution akin to a classic mid-engine sports car, a technique also employed by Maserati in their GranTurismo Folgore.
Performance-wise, the electric Cayman is anticipated to offer both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Drawing inspiration from the Mission R concept, which boasted a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the production Cayman EV could deliver impressive power figures. The Mission R concept peaked at 670 horsepower in race mode and a staggering 1,073 hp for qualifying bursts. Furthermore, the concept featured a single-speed transmission, potentially enabling top speeds exceeding 186 mph, depending on the chosen gear ratio.
Porsche Mission R development
Development of the Porsche Mission R, showcasing the electric powertrain technology likely to be featured in the Cayman EV.
Even with a more conservative power output for the road-going version, the Cayman EV is poised to deliver exhilarating performance. Speculation suggests a target curb weight of around 3,650 pounds, which could potentially rival the performance of the higher-end 911 models. To maintain distinct positioning within Porsche’s lineup, the 911 will continue to feature combustion engines, incorporating hybrid technology, as demonstrated by the latest 2025 911 Carrera GTS.
While official range figures for the Cayman EV remain under wraps, the Mission R concept’s 80-kWh battery pack, estimated to provide approximately 250 miles of range, offers a potential benchmark.
2026 Porsche 718 Boxster EV spy shots – Photo credit: Baldauf
Spy shots of the 2026 Porsche 718 Boxster EV, providing visual clues to the design language of the upcoming Cayman EV.
For enthusiasts of the current gasoline-powered 718 Cayman and Boxster, time is running out. Porsche announced in mid-2024 that production of these models is slated to end in 2025, with rumors pointing towards October. However, the recent slowdown in EV market growth, particularly in the premium sector, has prompted Porsche to reconsider its electrification timeline. While initially intending to phase out most gas models by the end of the decade, Porsche is now planning to extend the lifespan of combustion engine variants. This shift is evident in the rumored development of a new gasoline-powered Macan, even after the launch of its electric counterpart. This evolving strategy suggests that Porsche might also consider extending the production of gasoline-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman models alongside the upcoming Cayman EV, offering consumers a broader range of choices in the years to come.
