Last year Porsche made the startling announcement that the company was looking into the concept of an electric sports car and had already built three prototypes based on the mid-engine Boxster, with an aim to eventually develop a production version.

Today the automaker has revealed the first of its zero-emission electric Boxster prototypes and announced a real-world testing program. Called the Boxster E, the prototypes have already been used to evaluate the electric drive components (motors, controllers, etc) and battery systems.

Each is fitted with a 29 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor driving the rear wheels that’s rated at 240 horsepower.

Now, Porsche will be looking at the user behavior and needs and the required infrastructure needed to support electric Porsche sports cars.

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