The highly anticipated electric Porsche Boxster, known internally as the 983, is facing a bumpy road to production. Porsche’s R&D chief, Michael Steiner, is no stranger to battery supply setbacks, and unfortunately, history appears to be repeating itself. Just as issues with a battery supplier previously impacted the hybrid 911 GTS, Northvolt, the intended exclusive battery provider for the all-electric Boxster and its Cayman sibling, has encountered significant financial turbulence. This has led to considerable delays for the new electric sports cars.
Originally scheduled to roll off the production line in February 2023, the electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman are now facing a revised launch timeline, with the earliest production start pushed back to October 2025, potentially even slipping into early 2026.
CAR
Image showing a digital rendering of the anticipated design of the electric Porsche Boxster, highlighting its sleek silhouette and modern electric vehicle aesthetics.
Had the initial timeline been met, the electric Boxster roadster and its Cayman coupe counterpart would have enjoyed a significant head start in the electric sports car market. However, these delays now mean they will enter a more competitive landscape, potentially sharing the stage with emerging rivals like the MG Cyberster, which boasts an aggressive price point in the £55k-£60k range. While Porsche’s pricing for the electric twins remains undisclosed, it’s expected to align with or exceed the current combustion engine models, placing them in a premium segment above some of the new competition.
Despite the delays, the electric Porsche Boxster promises a substantial performance upgrade. While current petrol-powered Boxsters range from 300 to 500bhp, the electric versions are set to deliver even more impressive figures. The electric “S” models are projected to produce around 380bhp and 440lb ft of torque. For those seeking even greater performance, the GTS spec models are expected to feature a dual-motor setup, generating approximately 490bhp and 550lb ft of torque. Mirroring the Taycan and upcoming electric Macan, a high-performance “Turbo” variant is also anticipated, with rumors suggesting a staggering 600bhp and 650lb ft output.
CAR
Digital illustration visualizing the potential design of the electric Porsche Cayman, emphasizing its sporty coupe form and aerodynamic features.
Battery specifications for the electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman are also starting to emerge. The S and GTS models are rumored to utilize 89kWh batteries, while the top-tier Turbo variant may boast a larger 99kWh pack for extended range and performance. Interestingly, the rear-wheel-drive models are said to employ two electric motors – one for each rear wheel – enabling advanced torque vectoring. All-wheel-drive versions will reportedly incorporate a third motor driving the front wheels, promising exceptional handling and traction. Early reports from test drivers suggest the rear axle dynamics are particularly noteworthy, offering impressive cornering agility and controlled drift capabilities.
Underpinning the electric Boxster is an 800-volt electrical architecture, a technology shared with the Taycan, enabling ultra-fast charging, extended driving range, and enhanced efficiency. While details about the new battery are still limited, it’s known to utilize prismatic cells, a departure from the round cells favored by some competitors. Porsche’s decision to partner with Northvolt was reportedly influenced by the cell chemistry and scalable design, praised for its compact, lightweight, and space-efficient packaging. Performance targets for the battery include rapid 15-minute fast-charging times, a WLTP range exceeding 325 miles, and robust performance across a wide range of temperatures.
CAR
Another digital rendering of the electric Porsche Cayman, focusing on the rear design elements, potentially showcasing the charging port location and taillight styling.
However, concerns regarding the consistency of Northvolt’s battery quality and the company’s financial health raise questions about the long-term battery supply and manufacturing location for the electric Porsche Boxster. Furthermore, the extent of collaboration with Rimac, the Croatian EV technology firm that contributed to the Taycan and 911 GTS T-Hybrid, remains unclear.
Originally, the electric Boxster and Cayman were intended to be built on the SSP Sport platform, a sportier derivative of the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform, spearheaded by Porsche and Audi. But delays to the SSP platform, pushing it back to 2028 or 2029, prompted Porsche to develop its own architecture, named Mission R after the concept car of the same name. While initially envisioned for broader VW Group applications, including potential electric successors to models like the Karmann Ghia and Scirocco, the Mission R platform, for now, appears primarily dedicated to the Porsche Boxster Ev and Cayman.
Spy shots of the electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman reveal an evolutionary design, retaining familiar Porsche cues while adapting to the electric powertrain. The wheelbase appears slightly elongated, by approximately 10-15cm, to accommodate the T-shaped battery pack positioned centrally in the car. The rear track is noticeably wider, suggesting enhanced stability and handling, and allowing for larger tires. The longer rear deck likely compensates for the reduced luggage space in the front trunk (“frunk”) due to the electric components. Spy images also indicate a centrally located charging port at the rear, a futuristic nod to the traditional mid-mounted exhaust. Wheel and tire options are expected to reach 911-spec sizes for discerning customers.
e718 electric Porsche Boxster spy shot
Spy photograph capturing the electric Porsche Boxster prototype, showcasing its wider rear track and overall vehicle proportions during testing.
The front end of the electric Porsche Boxster appears subtly longer and more pointed, sitting closer to the ground, featuring automatically adjusting air intakes for optimized aerodynamics and cooling. The signature Porsche four-point LED matrix headlamps are present, and the rear taillight extends across the full width of the vehicle, with an illuminated “Porsche” script as an optional upgrade. A vertical third brake light is also visible in spy photographs.
Porsche Boxster EV rear charging port spy shot
Close-up spy shot highlighting the central rear charging port location on the electric Porsche Boxster prototype, resembling a futuristic exhaust placement.
Inside, the electric Porsche Boxster maintains Porsche’s functional and driver-focused design ethos. It features three customizable round digital instrument displays, mirroring the Taycan’s approach. Notably, Porsche has reintroduced physical climate controls and a physical volume knob, alongside programmable diamond rocker switches and the traditional steering wheel-mounted drive mode selector. An optional passenger display will also be available.
Porsche Boxster EV interior spy shot
Spy image revealing the interior of the electric Porsche Boxster, showing the digital instrument cluster, physical controls, and overall cockpit layout.
The gear selector is a compact stub located in the center console, adjacent to the parking brake button. Familiar Porsche switchgear is expected throughout the cabin. The Chrono pack with stopwatch remains an option, and sound system upgrades will cater to different budgets. While massage seats and a softer “Touring” suspension are not planned for initial release, a lightweight Weissach pack, 3D bodyform seats, ceramic composite brakes, and aerodynamic enhancements are expected to become available later in the production run, catering to performance enthusiasts.
Electric Porsche Boxster headlights detail
Detailed image of the electric Porsche Boxster’s quad-LED headlights, emphasizing the modern lighting technology and Porsche design signature.
Despite the delays, Porsche may not be entirely displeased with the revised timeline for the electric Boxster and Cayman. While a 32-month delay is significant, the competitive landscape for electric sports cars remains relatively sparse, with few direct rivals beyond the MG Cyberster. The electric replacements for the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra are still absent, and electric sports car offerings from Lotus and Alpine are yet to materialize. The market’s readiness for premium electric sports cars in late 2025 or early 2026 might be more favorable than it would have been in early 2023.
The broader EV market is facing headwinds, particularly in the premium segment. Rapid technological advancements in EVs make high-end models potentially susceptible to quicker depreciation. The Taycan, while a benchmark EV, has experienced depreciation in the used market, and demand for the updated Mk2 Taycan has not fully met Porsche’s initial expectations. Shifting consumer sentiment, influenced by factors like evolving political landscapes and debates about the future of combustion engines, also contributes to a more cautious approach to EV adoption.
For Porsche to succeed in the electric sports car market, the electric Boxster and Cayman must offer compelling advantages beyond just being electric. They need to deliver superior sustainability, emotional appeal, and performance metrics, including rapid charging and extended range, while maintaining Porsche’s renowned dynamic excellence, crucial for track day enthusiasts. The electric Porsche Boxster and Cayman aim to meet these demands using current technology, while future advancements like solid-state batteries and further weight reduction measures hold even greater promise. However, convincing traditional sports car enthusiasts to embrace electric power remains a significant challenge for the iconic Boxster and Cayman.
