Porsche Reveals All-Electric 718 Boxster with Mid-Mounted Battery Layout
Porsche officially ended the internal combustion era for its entry-level sports cars today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, pulling the covers off the fully electric 2026 Porsche 718 Boxster. The German automaker confirmed that the new roadster utilizes a heavily modified version of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, distinct from the Macan Electric, designed specifically to mimic the weight distribution of a mid-engine vehicle. By stacking the battery modules behind the driver—a configuration Porsche calls the “e-core” layout—engineers have achieved a center of gravity and seating position identical to the outgoing gasoline model, addressing the primary concern of enthusiasts regarding electric vehicle dynamics.
The entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant produces 382 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, figures that eclipse the base four-cylinder engine of its predecessor. Porsche claims this powertrain propels the electric roadster from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while an optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system in the Boxster S drops that figure to just 3.4 seconds. Despite the added mass of the 82-kWh battery pack, Porsche has managed to keep the curb weight under 3,650 pounds through extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in the body panels and subframes. The 800-volt electrical system allows for DC fast charging at speeds up to 270 kW, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charge in roughly 18 minutes under ideal conditions.
Visually, the 718 Boxster adopts the “Mission R” design language, featuring vertical headlight clusters with four-point LED signatures and a full-width rear light bar that incorporates active aerodynamics. The interior has been completely digitized, removing the analog tachometer in favor of a 12.6-inch curved driver display and a 10.9-inch passenger screen, a layout borrowed directly from the new Panamera and Cayenne. Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development, stated during the reveal that the suspension geometry uses a unique push-rod rear axle setup to maximize agility, ensuring the vehicle “remains a true sports car first and an electric car second.”
Deliveries for the North American market are scheduled to commence in early 2026, with pricing starting at $74,900 for the base model, a significant premium over the outgoing internal combustion version. This launch effectively confirms the immediate discontinuation of the gasoline-powered 718 Boxster and Cayman in global markets, though Porsche noted that the limited-production 718 Spyder RS will continue to be built in parallel for a limited time. Industry observers view this transition as the most significant risk Porsche has taken since the introduction of the Cayenne SUV, as it attempts to migrate its most purist customer base to a battery-electric powertrain without diluting the brand’s handling pedigree.
