The future of the Porsche 718 line is uncertain as the company considers canceling its electric version due to development delays and rising expenses. Late last year, Porsche wound down production of the 718 Boxster and Cayman in preparation for an electric-only successor.
However, the company decided to add a combustion model to adapt to consumer preferences and a changing regulatory climate. Now, a new report suggests that the electric 718 EV may not happen at all.
The report cites anonymous internal sources stating that new CEO Michael Leiters is considering scrapping the battery-powered version of the upcoming sports car due to its high development costs. Porsche's decision to discontinue the latest generation of the vehicles in 2016 was initially intended to make way for a battery-only sequel, but current EV demand and changing regulations led to a course correction.
The company redeveloped the next 718 to support both internal-combustion and electric powertrains. However, poor sales in China and a pivot back to internal combustion elsewhere in the lineup have led to massive losses, giving Porsche less money to make the electric 718 happen.
This decision is still under consideration, but it's surreal to think about driving the final Boxster or Cayman one day in whatever form it takes. If it happens despite all the shifts and redesigns, it'll be a small miracle.
The Porsche 718 EV's fate serves as a cautionary tale for the automotive industry, highlighting the challenges of adapting to changing consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes. As companies navigate these complexities, they must carefully weigh the costs and benefits of different powertrain options to ensure long-term viability.
