Porsche has pushed back the launch of its all-electric 718 Boxster and Cayman by two years, citing issues with battery cell supply following the insolvency of Swedish battery maker Northvolt.
“With the electric model series in the 718 segment, we too cannot avoid the issue of the availability of high-performance cells,” Porsche and Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume told Automobilwoche. The electric 718, initially planned for a 2025 debut, will now follow the all-electric Cayenne, which is scheduled for 2026.
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Porsche had relied on Northvolt for high-energy-density battery cells essential for the compact two-seater’s performance and range. However, Northvolt’s financial struggles led to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing for its U.S. operations in November, followed by insolvency filings in Sweden this week. While Northvolt’s German and Canadian subsidiaries remain unaffected, the company’s future remains uncertain under trustee management.
The delay was indirectly acknowledged in Porsche’s annual report for 2024, which states: “Following on from the all-electric Cayenne, Porsche will introduce the all-electric sports cars in the 718 segment.” Given that the Cayenne was already planned for a later release, the statement confirms a significant postponement for the electric 718.
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Porsche’s single-sourcing strategy for battery cells has posed challenges, mirroring past issues with Varta’s V4Drive cells for the 911 GTS T-Hybrid. The company is now evaluating alternative suppliers, but the setback underscores the risks of relying on a sole battery provider.
Beyond the 718, Porsche is also reassessing the timeline for its upcoming models. While the all-electric Cayenne remains on track for 2026 as the second model on Volkswagen’s PPE platform after the Macan, the K1 project—an electric seven-seater SUV initially planned for 2027—may also see delays. “The all-electric K1 will come. We are currently calibrating the sequence of models and analysing the markets. Depending on this, we will decide on the timing of the market launch,” Blume said.
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Porsche’s challenge with the electric 718 stems from its compact design, which limits space for large battery packs. The brand had counted on Northvolt’s cells to balance performance with efficiency while keeping the model distinct from the iconic 911. With Northvolt’s fate uncertain, Porsche is now forced to seek new battery solutions, potentially further delaying its entry into the electric sports car segment.