The new Porsche 718 Cayman & 718 Boxster EV (and why RHD countries should care)
If you’re a car-guy who lives for mid-engine balance, razor-sharp chassis feel and a soundtrack that makes your spine tingle, the idea of an electric Porsche 718 sounds like sacrilege — and also like a damn interesting engineering problem. The good news: Porsche is bringing all-electric versions of the 718 Cayman and Boxster (the “718 EV”), while keeping the petrol range around for certain high-performance models. That means drivers in RHD markets finally get the choice between classic boxer-song thrills and the instant torque of a purpose-built sports EV.
Quick headline specs & what Porsche currently offers (petrol baseline)
Current, petrol-powered Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster models are available with several tune levels – the base 300 hp turbo-4, the S with 350 hp, and high-revving 4.0-litre flat-six variants for GTS/GT4 models. That lineup delivers 0–60 mph times in the mid-4-second range for base/S models and well into the 3s for GTS/GT4 hardware; top speeds run 171–179+ mph depending on trim. These are compact, ultra-capable, mid-engine sports cars built for cornering precision and driver engagement.
What we know (and what reputable outlets expect) about the Porsche 718 EV
Porsche has confirmed plans for an all-electric next-generation 718, and spy photos / reporting show development prototypes on the road — so this is well beyond mere rumour. Early reporting suggests Porsche will prioritise a lightweight sports-car platform (not just an upturned SUV battery pack), with rear-motor entry variants and more powerful AWD versions for higher trims. Expected characteristics cited by outlets: at least ~250 miles (400 km) realistic range for usable sports-car duty, and an 800-volt architecture similar to Taycan/Macan EVs to enable fast charging and energetic performance. Exact production specs, battery size and final power figures aren’t public from Porsche yet, but spy coverage and manufacturer commentary indicate a focus on retaining the 718’s dynamic DNA while translating it to batteries and motors.
What that likely means for drivers: instant torque off the line, rapid throttle response, possibly quicker 0–60 times than base petrol models (depending on how Porsche tunes weight and power), and a quieter cabin that still prioritises chassis feel. Porsche’s messaging suggests they’re trying to keep the cornering balance and steering feel close to the petrol experience.
Electric 718 vs Petrol 718 – apples, oranges, and real comparisons
- Acceleration: EV torque gives blistering low-speed acceleration. Expect equal-or-better 0–60 mph times in many EV trims versus equivalent-power petrol 718s. (That’s before accounting for battery weight and packaging.)
- Handling & weight: petrol 718s are famously light and perfectly balanced thanks to the mid-engine layout. Porsche’s engineering aim is to preserve that agility by using a bespoke lightweight EV platform – but batteries add mass, and engineers will need to tune suspension, weight distribution and steering to retain the 718 feel. Spy reports indicate Porsche is aware of this trade-off.
- Sound & emotion: the combustion 4.0-litre flat-six remains visceral and emotional in a way electric motors can’t fully replicate. That’s why Porsche appears to be keeping high-end ICE variants around while offering EVs for broad market needs.
- Running costs & usability: EVs have lower running costs, reduced maintenance, and, critically for many countries, different import duty/tax treatments that can make a Porsche more affordable to own. More on that below.
Why this is a big deal for RHD markets (Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Indonesia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, etc.)
Two things change the calculus for importing and owning a Porsche 718 in many RHD countries:
- EV tax and incentive regimes – Some governments actively rebate or reduce registration/import taxes for BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). Singapore, for example, has EV incentives including rebates on Additional Registration Fee (ARF) and VES adjustments designed to reduce the upfront cost of electric cars while they transition to cleaner fleets. India has targeted schemes enabling reduced customs duty for certain imported EVs (with policy windows and conditions); Indonesia and other markets have used VAT/luxury tax reforms and temporary import incentives to stimulate EV adoption. These policies can materially lower out-the-door prices for electric sports cars versus equivalent ICE imports.
- Opening a new market segment – In markets where petrol sports cars attract punishing import duties, EV treatment can open a realistic path for buyers to own a true sports Porsche. That’s not just flex – it’s new business for dealers, aftermarket converters, tuning houses and for exporters like AutoExport who handle right-hand-drive supply and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Examples (short):
- Singapore: strong EV rebates and schemes reduce registration costs and can make an electric 718 substantially more affordable to register than a petrol import. (Good fit.)
- India: government schemes allow reduced customs duty for certain EV imports under specific programs and investment commitments – meaning limited windows exist when premium EV imports are far more competitive than petrol equivalents. (Good fit for limited allocations and demonstration launches.)
- Indonesia: policy swings in recent years have included VAT and luxury tax reliefs for EVs, but incentives are sometimes temporary – ideal for early adopters and showrooms looking to be first movers.
For countries where EV tariff regimes are unclear or under flux (e.g., Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, several African RHD nations), the situation varies widely – some governments reduce duties to encourage EV uptake, while others keep high tariffs to protect revenue. That’s where a specialist exporter like AutoExport adds value: we can advise on the current local tariff structure, handle right-hand-drive conversions or sourcing, and structure imports to optimise duty and compliance.
Practical advice for buyers in RHD countries (short checklist)
- Check current EV import incentives – these change fast (we’ve linked Singapore and India guidance). If a country offers reduced import duty or rebate for BEVs, you can save substantially.
- Ask about local charging & battery support – high-performance EVs are thrilling but need chargers and service plans.
- Consider trim choice – lower-power EVs are cheaper and still dramatic; all-wheel-drive/GTS-equivalent EVs will be pricier but faster.
- Use a specialist RHD exporter like AutoExport to manage compliance, documentation, and shipping – especially in countries with specific homologation or left-/right-hand drive paperwork.
The electric Porsche 718 isn’t a replacement for the soul of the flat-six – it’s an expansion of choices. For RHD markets where import duties and tax regimes favour BEVs (or at least provide temporary windows of advantage), the 718 EV opens up the possibility of owning a true mid-engine sportscar without the prohibitive tax penalty petrol cars often face. That’s a market opportunity for buyers, dealers and exporters alike – and a perfect fit for AutoExport’s mission in car exports to RHD countries.
Contact AutoExport today via our CONTACT FORM or call us on +44 785 888 6666 (Available also on WhatsApp) to import your Porsche 718 Cayman or 718 Boxster EV to your country.
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