Porsche Just Changed Its Mind About the Electric 718

You were promised a clean handoff: the next electric Porsche 718 (Cayman and Boxster) shows up, gas goes away, and the story stays simple. Now the story looks messy, and the mess matters to you because it changes timing, pricing, and what the “next 718” even is.

Reports say Porsche is looking at a two-track future, exploring ways to keep a gas option alive in the next 718 family, but Porsche hasn’t confirmed any 718-specific plan. What Porsche has confirmed is the bigger direction: in its September 2025 product strategy update, the company said it will keep combustion models around longer and push some all-electric launches later, while still calling out “the future two-door sports car in the 718 segment” as part of its BEV lineup. So yes, the electric 718 still lives. It just stopped looking inevitable, and it stopped pretty fast.

Why the Electric Porsche 718 Just Got Complicated for You

If you want a gas Cayman or Boxster, this shift can cool the “last chance” panic. When buyers stop acting like the door is about to slam shut, they shop smarter. That helps you, especially if you’re hunting a clean, unmodified car with the exact options you actually care about.

If you want the electric Porsche 718, the key word is patience. Porsche has started talking more openly about slower EV demand and it’s backing that up with real moves. In its August 2025 battery update, the company said it isn’t pursuing in-house battery cell production “for volume reasons,” while still insisting electrification stays central to its future sports cars. Translation: Porsche still wants the EV future, but it wants fewer expensive bets and more escape hatches.

This also matters because Porsche already began pulling the gas 718 back in Europe while it lined up the electric replacement. Reuters reported in July 2024 that production of combustion 718 versions for European markets had already stopped, with the company focused on electric successors.

Put it together and the takeaway is blunt: Porsche wants flexibility, and you should plan your next move like flexibility cuts both ways.

My Verdict

If you want the classic lightweight 718 vibe, you should shop the current gas cars now, while selection still exists and before “special” pricing returns. If you want the electric Porsche 718 because you want EV torque and daily-driver ease in a small Porsche, you should expect a longer wait and a more complicated rollout than the original EV-only plan.