The dawn of the electric sports car is fast approaching and a number of automakers are scrambling to get their models out before the seemingly expected industry boom, which could very well happen in the next few years.

While that’s still a matter of subjectivity, what we do know is that a number of automakers have begun developing their own electric sports cars with German automaker Porsche->ke1 becoming the next in line to do so after introducing three Porsche Boxster->ke570 E models.

The cars are still designated as ‘prototypes’ so we don’t expect these cars to hit the streets anytime soon. Details on the model’s complete specifications are still being kept under wraps - possibly until further testing is done – but from what we’ve gathered, the Boxster E models are going to be powered by a 29 kWh battery that sends the power out to two electric motors, producing a combined output of 241 horsepower. According to Porsche, the Boxster E prototypes are capable of matching the numbers set by the Boxster S, which translates to a ‘north-to-60’ time of five seconds and a top speed of somewhere around 170 mph.

As we’ve said, production of this car is still far down the road, if ever. For now, Porsche is concentrating on giving the prototypes more development hours and test runs to determine the feasibility of having their own electric sports car. While we’d love to see it happen, the decision still remains with the boys from Stuttgart. So here’s to hoping that they come out with more than just prototype models in the future.

Press Release after the jump.

Porsche launches field tests with electric Boxster

Stuttgart. With the rollout of the first of three purely electric-powered Boxster I started the Dr. Ing hc F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, now a practical test in the context of large-scale test "model region electromobility Region Stuttgart". Together with the Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Stefan Mappus, put Matthias Müller, CEO of Porsche AG, the first near-silent feet with a sporty research vehicle in front of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart back.

"The electrical mobility is a central challenge of the coming years and the engineers at Porsche would like to contribute with the usual excellence of them to be resolved. The Boxster E will help us as mobile laboratories in solving the practical problems of electric vehicles the way that our customers expect, "Matthias Müller said at the launch of the Boxster E. could aim of this project, said Müller, with three purely electrically driven Boxster experiences on the practicality and user behavior - especially when driving and shop - to win. From this, researchers gain insight into requirements for future products, and the inclusion of electric vehicles in infrastructure.

Baden-Württemberg Minister President Stefan Mappus also highlights the signaling effect of the project: "Together with the automotive industry, we want to trigger the development of sustainable mobility in the Stuttgart region and thus the peak position of the state of Baden-Württemberg consolidate in mobility and expand. Porsche is an important partner to expand with its high technology products, the range of electric vehicles from Baden-Württemberg in the sports car segment. " And Dr. Walter Rogg, manager of the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (WRS), praises the Porsche's commitment: "With the commitment to the Porsche proves electric mobility vision. If a premium manufacturer, invested with a unique sporting profile in this future market time and money, this is an important contribution to helping the automotive Stuttgart region can maintain and expand its technology leadership and ".

Stuttgart is one of eight "model regions Electric Mobility in Germany, which will be implemented by mid-2011 pilot projects for electric vehicles and electric infrastructure. The model region of Stuttgart is funded under the federal "e-mobility in model regions". Overall, the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (Germany) for Germany eight model regions around 130 million euros from the economic stimulus package available. The program is coordinated by the National Organization NOW GmbH hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Federal Minister Peter Ramsauer, "We need market-ready products that inspire and persuade the user in practice. We therefore support the research and demonstration of electric vehicles in everyday use. The day passed electric vehicle shows that sustainable transport can be associated with fun. With innovative ideas, we can be Leitanbieter lead market for electric vehicles. It opened for business location and export nation Germany entirely new possibilities. "

The Porsche Boxster offers with its concept mid-engine sports car is the ideal vehicle basis for the practice-oriented testing of the electric drive: The open two-seater is very light and allows the new components, electric motor, battery and high voltage technology crash safely accommodate the vehicle. At the same time to guarantee performance level of a Boxster S with conventional, verbrennungsmotorischem drive the sustainable sports cars fascination with new technology. The Boxster e are driven depending on the configuration of up to two electric motors totaling 180 kW. As an energy storage battery is used with a capacity of 29 kilowatt hours.