Porsche may put on hold its plans for electric Boxster and Cayman sports cars.

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      Electric aspirations confront financial realities as Porsche reevaluates its plans for the 718 EVs, trying to strike a balance between tradition, profitability, and the industry’s realization that the transition to electric vehicles can be challenging.

      Porsche's dedication to the 718 EVs encountered obstacles when the company revealed it would be integrating internal combustion engines into its top models. Rumors from Stuttgart indicate that the automaker may eliminate the 718 Boxster and Cayman EV models altogether, meaning they may never reach dealerships.

      These all-electric 718 models were initially expected to debut in 2025, envisioned as a major addition to Porsche's lineup. However, a recent report from Bloomberg implies that Porsche’s new CEO, Michael Leiters, who will take office on January 1, 2026, is contemplating discontinuing the 718 line.

      Porsche

      An optimistic EV future faces challenges

      What has prompted this sudden change? Escalating development expenses, substantial delays, and decreasing global interest in luxury EVs are key factors highlighted in the report.

      Porsche had originally developed the new 718 models on an electric vehicle platform. However, when the decision was made to keep gas and hybrid options in late 2025, engineers had to redesign the chassis to incorporate essential internal combustion engine components (like engines, fuel tanks, and exhausts), which purportedly cost around $1.96 billion.

      The delays have been attributed to continuous glitches and development problems within Porsche’s software division, the 2025 bankruptcy of Northvolt (a key battery partner for the brand), and the challenges of fitting a hybrid powertrain into a chassis designed for battery electric vehicles.

      Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      The decline of China’s luxury market and its implications for Porsche

      Moreover, the company struggled in China, with car sales falling by 26% in 2025 compared to 2024; local consumers are increasingly leaning toward domestic brands like the Xiaomi SU7. The sales of Porsche’s first EV, the Taycan, also saw a 21% drop in 2025, signaling that even dedicated fans aren't embracing EVs as swiftly as expected.

      With rising development costs consuming resources rapidly and luxury vehicle sales softening in critical markets like China, Porsche may decide to ease up on EV investments and prioritize financial returns. This has led board members to consider whether to eliminate the electric 718s altogether or postpone their introduction.

      It remains to be seen whether the company will adhere to its electrification commitments or succumb to escalating development costs and diminishing operational profits in the near future.

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      Tesla has introduced a new Model Y AWD variant, along with an updated price point for consumers

      A fresh variant now slots above the rear-wheel drive Standard trim, providing US buyers another entry point into the lineup.

      Tesla has added a new all-wheel-drive version of the Model Y in the United States, with a price tag of $41,990, as reported in an update on its website on Monday. This minor adjustment in the lineup presents immediate advantages for those seeking AWD without moving to a more costly option.

      This change comes at a crucial time. The overall EV market cooled after September when the Trump administration ended the $7,500 federal tax credits, leading to higher effective prices for many buyers. Tesla has been focusing on lower starting prices to maintain demand, and this new variant aligns with that strategy.

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      Chinese regulators may eliminate pop-out door handles as safety concerns mount

      Concerns regarding hidden and electronic door handles have prompted action from China, which could impact global automakers.

      Pop-out door handles have transitioned from a futuristic novelty to a nearly standard design in recent years, particularly as electric vehicle manufacturers sought to replicate Tesla’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic. While they might appear elegant, they have led to various issues in practice, ranging from frozen handles in cold weather to doors that won’t open when the battery dies, resulting in incidents of drivers being locked out and, more alarmingly, passengers being trapped inside during accidents. In response, Chinese regulators are stepping in to end this trend.

      China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced new vehicle safety regulations that effectively prohibit hidden and flush-mounted door handles on newly manufactured cars. As reported by Bloomberg, this regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2027, and will apply to all newly approved passenger vehicles sold in the country.

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      This innovative battery technology allows for fast charging of your EV without harming the battery's longevity

      CATL claims its latest battery can handle ultra-fast charging without accelerating long-term degradation.

      Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturer CATL asserts that it has found a solution for ultra-fast charging without damaging long-term battery health. If proven true, this could address one of the major barriers to the widespread