Porsche has announced its plans to manufacture the electric 718 sports car, set to be released in the mid-2020s, on the same production line as its gas-powered 911 model. This production line is situated at Porsche’s primary facility in the Zuffenhausen region of Stuttgart, Germany, where the current gas-powered 718 is also assembled. Since 2022, due to capacity constraints in Zuffenhausen, Porsche has been producing the gas-powered 718 at a Volkswagen Group facility in Osnabrück, Germany.
It’s worth noting that the electric 718 won’t be the first electric vehicle (EV) to roll out from the Zuffenhausen plant, as Porsche already manufactures the Taycan there. Additionally, Porsche has revealed its intention to produce electric drive systems for the upcoming electric Macan at the same Zuffenhausen facility. The electric Macan is expected to debut early next year and will be assembled at Porsche’s Leipzig plant in Germany.
To accommodate the production of the electric 718, Porsche has allocated approximately 250 million euros (around $271 million) for upgrades to the Zuffenhausen plant. These enhancements will involve expanding the plant and implementing new production systems aimed at enhancing efficiency. An example of a recent efficiency improvement is the introduction of automated gliders that transport in-progress builds throughout the plant, eliminating the need for a traditional production line. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for manufacturing vehicles with different powertrain types on the same line.
In terms of design, the electric 718 has been spotted in prototype form and appears to draw inspiration from the 2021 Mission R concept. The Mission R concept showcased technology that is expected to be integrated into the electric 718. Unlike the common skateboard-style EV platform with a flat battery pack on the vehicle floor, the Mission R concept adopts a T-shaped battery layout, occupying the areas traditionally reserved for the engine and center tunnel of a mid-engine car. This configuration allows for a low car height while maintaining weight distribution akin to a mid-engine vehicle.
Porsche is considering offering the current gas-powered 718 alongside the new electric 718 for a transitional period, with potential updates. This strategy mirrors what the automaker plans to do with the Macan following the launch of its electric version next year. The move towards electric vehicles marks Porsche’s commitment to embracing sustainable and innovative automotive technologies.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Electric 718 production
What is Porsche’s plan for the electric 718 production?
Porsche intends to manufacture its electric 718 sports car on the same production line as the gas-powered 911 at its Zuffenhausen plant in Stuttgart, Germany.
How does Porsche plan to accommodate this production?
Porsche is investing approximately €250 million in the Zuffenhausen plant to prepare it for electric 718 production. The investment includes plant expansion and the implementation of new production systems to enhance efficiency.
Are there any other electric models produced at the Zuffenhausen plant?
Yes, Porsche also manufactures the electric Taycan at the Zuffenhausen plant.
What is the unique battery layout featured in the electric 718?
The electric 718 is expected to adopt a T-shaped battery layout, different from the typical skateboard-style EV platform. This layout optimizes vehicle height and weight distribution.
Will Porsche continue to produce the current gas-powered 718 alongside the electric 718?
Porsche is considering offering the current gas-powered 718 alongside the new electric 718 for a period, potentially with updates.
What other electric model does Porsche plan to produce?
Porsche plans to produce electric drive systems for the upcoming electric Macan at the Zuffenhausen plant, with the electric Macan scheduled for production in Leipzig, Germany.
What is the timeline for the release of the electric 718 and electric Macan?
The electric 718 is expected to be available in the mid-2020s, while the electric Macan is set to debut early next year.
How does Porsche aim to improve production efficiency at the Zuffenhausen plant?
Porsche has introduced automated gliders for in-progress builds, eliminating the need for a traditional production line, which offers more flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing vehicles with different powertrain types.
More about Electric 718 production
- Porsche’s official announcement
- Porsche Taycan information
- Details on the electric Macan
- Electric vehicle battery layouts
- Porsche 911 model overview
- Investment in Zuffenhausen plant
- Porsche’s plans for the electric 718