Porsche 718: Cayman and Boxster to be fully electric by 2028
Porsche confirms the shift to electric power for the 718 lineup: the new Boxster and Cayman models will be fully battery-powered starting in 2028. The German automaker’s strategy rules out a future generation of these models equipped with internal combustion engines. The decision for the 911 is clear: “It will never be electric.”
The announcement was made by CEO Michael Leiters (formerly of Ferrari) during an investor meeting at the 2026 Capital Markets Day. This sets a significant direction for the German brand as it navigates the challenges of electrification while balancing its sporty identity, profitability, and evolving market demands.
Porsche 718: A Final Goodbye to Internal Combustion Engines
The previous generations of Porsche Boxster and Cayman ceased production in 2025. The future of this model family had been the subject of speculation, with rumors ranging from a complete shift to electric powertrains to a return to traditional engines.
Porsche has now clarified its chosen direction: the new 718 models will be entirely electric, with 2028 designated as the first full year of production. This does not necessarily mean that all versions will arrive at the same time, but rather that the new generation will be fully operational by that year.
The decision is significant because it involves models where dynamic behavior and the relationship between driver and car are central elements. For Porsche, therefore, the challenge is not merely to replace the internal combustion engine with an electric one. It also involves preserving the characteristics that have made iconic cars like the Boxster and Cayman recognizable and enjoyable to drive.
The battery pack behind the seats, not underneath
This approach aims to maintain a low driving position and replicate, as much as possible, the balance of previous 718 models with a central engine located behind the cabin. The advantage isn’t just ergonomic; the distribution of mass directly affects steering response, traction during acceleration, and thus the car’s sporty handling.
Porsche: End of traditional Macan models, only electric versions for at least two years
The 911 “will never be electric”
While the 718 fully embraces battery power, Porsche seems determined to maintain a clear distinction for the 911, the brand’s iconic model for over sixty years. During the presentation, Leiters stated that the 911 «will never be electric».
It appears there is a desire to protect the identity of a sports car historically tied to internal combustion engines and a distinct driving experience. However, this does not constitute a technical guarantee for any future scenario. Industrial strategies can change in response to regulations, markets, and technological advancements.
After all, Leiters’ statement concerns the exclusion of a fully electric 911—at least within the strategic horizon outlined by management—but not any approach to electrification in general. For example, the adoption of hybrid systems that do not abandon the contribution of a thermal engine. So nothing is certain.
Instead, for the future Boxster and Cayman models, it will be interesting to see how Porsche enthusiasts respond. The change is significant: how many are ready to make the switch?
READ ALSO: Porsche: end to thermal Macan, only electric models for at least 2 years. And watch the VIDEO
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