The German publication Handelsblatt claims that due to the bankruptcy of the Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt, it is impossible to meet development deadlines. Insiders say the contract between Porsche and Northvolt did not include alternative batteries for the 718 electric car, but now a new supplier will definitely be needed. In addition, during tests of the electric sports car, problems arose with the power plant.
In 2022, Porsche announced that the “younger” 718 family will no longer have gasoline engines after a generation change. Coupes and convertibles were developed with a traction battery behind the seatbacks, and debut was scheduled for late 2025. At first, it was planned to replace gasoline 718s with an electric car, but now everything is not so obvious.
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Due to Northvolt’s bankruptcy, the automaker will have to look for a supplier of lightweight batteries with high energy density. Audi was also supposed to receive Swedish cells, but this brand will find an alternative faster: engineers are already collaborating with CATL and LG Chem on other projects, in addition, standard electric vehicles are being developed in Ingolstadt, not a sports car.
At the request of American journalists, Porsche did not comment on the delay in the debut of the 718 electric car. The situation is worst for the German brand in Europe: there, sales of the gasoline 718 had to be completed ahead of schedule.
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