Porsche's Electric Sports Cars Face Further Delays as Issues Accumulate | Carscoops

      Porsche is facing challenges in obtaining the appropriate battery cells for the production of the electric Boxster and Cayman.

      The introduction of the electric versions of the Boxster and Cayman has been postponed due to battery shortages, exacerbated by the bankruptcy of Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, which has hindered the brand’s electric vehicle (EV) development.

      Additionally, the launch of the K1 electric SUV is likely delayed until the end of the decade.

      The decision by Porsche to develop all-electric versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman stirred strong reactions among enthusiasts, and complications have arisen in the process. Porsche’s ambitious initiative toward EVs has already faced notable challenges, including difficulties in replicating the driving experience of their gasoline-powered counterparts. Recent reports indicate that the launch of the electric models has now been delayed for a second time.

      Initially, the plan was to present the electric Boxster and Cayman in 2026, but Porsche’s CEO, Oliver Blume, recently acknowledged significant issues in sourcing the high-performance battery cells necessary for these vehicles. A major contributing factor to this predicament is the unexpected bankruptcy of Northvolt late last year, complicating Porsche’s EV plans.

      A Disrupted Timeline

      Sales of the current 718 models in Europe were abruptly halted in mid-2024 due to new cybersecurity regulations. Although they remain available in other regions, including North America, reports from Automobilwoche suggest that they will be phased out by the end of 2025.

      Porsche initially intended to introduce the electric versions in 2026 to seamlessly replace the internal combustion engine models. However, that schedule is now disrupted, potentially leading to a gap of a year or more without any Boxster or Cayman in their lineup, as the new launch window has been pushed into 2027.

      Additional Battery Challenges

      This isn’t the only battery-related challenge Porsche is encountering. In June 2021, Porsche established the Cellforce Group to develop and manufacture battery cells, setting up a facility near Tübingen, Germany. However, due to competition with Asian rivals, Cellforce is unlikely to secure the external investment required to begin production, meaning its cells may never be used in the sports cars from Zuffenhausen, according to a German outlet.

      To diversify its battery supply sources, Porsche acquired a majority stake in Varta’s e-mobility battery division in March, aiming for a more dependable supply of high-performance cells. Nevertheless, these supply chain issues are undeniably complicating the company’s transition to EVs.

      A Delayed SUV and a Change in Strategy

      The electric Boxster and Cayman aren’t the only models affected by the battery crisis. Porsche has been developing a three-row electric SUV, referred to internally as the K1, which was initially scheduled for a 2027 launch but has now reportedly been delayed until the end of the decade.

      Analyst Fabio Hölscher from Wolfburg Research believes that Porsche may have rushed its electrification efforts. He stated, “Porsche‘s original model portfolio plans are amplifying these market-driven challenges.”

      “Due to the slower-than-expected adoption of battery electric vehicles, Porsche now has to develop additional combustion models while managing the costly delays in BEV rollout and navigating the challenging situation in China and uncertainty regarding U.S. exports,” he added.

      Initially, Porsche aimed for 50% of its sales to be from BEVs and PHEVs by 2025, with a target of reaching 80% BEV sales by 2030. However, the company has since revised these targets and is now focusing on new combustion powertrains. There are even discussions about potentially designing the electric Boxster, Cayman, and K1 to also accommodate internal combustion engines, should market demand necessitate it.