Boxster E starts real-life testing

Field-testing of three all-electric Boxster E prototypes has started in the Stuttgart area. "The Boxster E will help us as a mobile laboratory in solving the practical problems of electric vehicles, in the way that our customers expect", says Porsche CEO Matthias Müller.

The Boxster roadster is well-suited for testing an electric-drive powertrain: it is lightweight, and its mid-engined layout can safely accommodate its pair of motors, its batteries and high-voltage electrics. The Boxster E offers similar acceleration to the conventional Boxster S, with a total 180kW of power available.

The study will follow the usage of the cars and driver behaviour, giving an insight into the requirements for future electric production vehicles and for the necessary infrastructure - such as recharging facilities - to support them. Partners in the project include the state of Baden-Württemberg and Germany's Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Urban Affairs; Stuttgart is one of eight "model regions" in Germany where pilot electric vehicle programmes are to take place this year.