We've known for some time that the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman will transition to all-electric models in the not-too-distant future. The Mission R electric racer concept revealed last year was developed with the same attention to detail as any production model, and Porsche said shortly after this that the Mission R was not merely a concept but hinted that it could preview a production-bound model. It seems that we won't have to wait that much longer for the electric 718 as Porsche is investing approximately 500 million euros ($568 million) to convert its main production plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen to be able to produce the electric 718.

As reported by Automobilwoche, this will be Porsche's second major investment in electromobility following the factory for the Taycan electric sedan. This dramatic transformation of Porsche's production facility will support the manufacturer's goals of about one-third of its sales consisting of fully electric vehicles by 2025, and two-thirds by 2030. Production of the electric 718 lineup is due to begin in 2023, the same year that the Macan EV will go into production in Leipzig. That means time is running out to buy a gas-powered 718. The publication said that the electric 718 range will be "technologically based on the Mission R concept."

However, electrification of the brand's core 911 lineup isn't scheduled to happen this soon. Therefore, Porsche will be able to have a flexible production facility that can churn out both electric 718s and conventionally-powered 911s simultaneously. Besides using a shortened version of the PPE platform, the electric 718 will have a range of approximately 250 miles on a single charge. Remember, the Mission R produced over 1,000 horsepower from dual electric motors, so the electric 718 has the potential to be quicker than most of the current 911 lineup.

Previous reports suggest that the electric 718 will feel like a mid-engine ICE sports car thanks to a special battery layout with a low center of gravity. Based on how the Taycan drives, we have full confidence in Porsche's ability to maintain the 718's dynamic edge even without the presence of a gas engine.