Porsche has confirmed it is developing an all-electric car based on its Boxster roadster with early testing of the car to begin at the start of 2011.

Porsche said the three electric Boxsters on test would provide “important preliminary insight” to new electric drive components and battery systems for its all-electric vehicle drive.

The field test is intended to provide findings on the infrastructure required for electro-mobility, user behaviour and the demands made of future products.

Michael Macht, the president and chief executive officer of Porsche, said: “We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers performance and a cruising range comparable to that of a sports car today.”

Porsche has also developed hybrid technology which will be introduced to its Panamera S next year.