--- title: "New Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman EVs Might Be Killed Off by Development Hell" date: "2026-02-02" modified: "2026-02-02" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/new-porsche-718-boxster-cayman-evs-might-be-killed-off-by-development-hell" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Porsche News" tags: - "718 Boxster" - "718 Cayman" - "Coupe" - "Electric Vehicle" - "porsche" - "sports car" --- # New Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman EVs Might Be Killed Off by Development Hell ![Porsche Cayman, red]() *\Porsche\* Late last year, [Porsche]() wound down production of the 718 Boxster and Cayman in preparation for what was originally intended to be an electric-only successor. Then it became clear that Porsche would [add a combustion model]() to adapt to consumer preferences and an ever-changing regulatory climate. Now, we have to entertain the possibility that the 718 EV never happens at all, as a new *Bloomberg* report says that Porsche may cancel the battery-powered version of the upcoming sports car. New CEO Michael Leiters, who stepped into the role on January 1 in place of former Porsche boss Oliver Blume, is said to be considering scrapping the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman due to "development delays and rising expenses," [per *Bloomberg*]()*,* citing anonymous internal sources. A Porsche spokesperson declined to comment on the matter to *The Drive*. The future of the 718 line has been a nagging bugbear for Porsche. The sports car maker announced roughly two years ago that it'd have to discontinue the latest generation of the vehicles, which entered production way back in 2016, [due to a new cybersecurity law]() in Europe. At the time, this was disappointing, but definitely the right move; Porsche was preparing a battery-only sequel set to drop in a few years, and reengineering the electric architecture of a decade-old vehicle just to stick around until then didn't make business sense. ![]() **Porsche** But then the reality of current EV demand set in, coupled with a growing movement to reverse the European Union's planned ban on gas cars in 2035 and [a particularly worrying fiscal year]() for the company. So, Porsche decided to course-correct and [redevelop the next 718]() to support both internal-combustion and electric powertrains. We can't say exactly how long that plan lasted, because we're not a fly on the wall in Porsche's boardroom, but it seems like a length of time that could best be counted in months. Now, Leiters may well ditch the electric version of the 718 altogether—a vehicle that was initially designed *to only ever be electric* in the first place—as a consequence of tightening purse strings. Poor sales in China and a pivot back to internal combustion elsewhere in the lineup, like with the company's SUVs, have led to massive losses, which have in turn given Porsche less money to make the electric 718 happen. It's been a vicious cycle. And it's not like trying to reshape the new 718 around a metal lump that wasn't originally supposed to be there [was an easy job to begin with](). Of course, this decision is still merely under consideration according to the report—the 718 EV isn't dead yet. But, given all the roadblocks to date, it's surreal to even think about driving the final, next-gen Boxster or Cayman one day, in whatever form it takes. And, if it's good despite all of the shifts, redesigns, pivots, and every iteration of what this vehicle was supposed to be over the course of its development but ultimately wasn't, it'll be a small miracle. *Got a tip? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()