(July 27, 2010) Porsche, which now offers a Cayenne S Hybrid and has produced a 911 GT3R hybrid racer and plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder concept, on Monday announced its first dive into pure electric vehicles with a trio of experimental battery-electric Boxsters.

The Stuttgart automaker said in a statement that "these three electric Boxsters are to provide an initial first important insight into new electric drive components and battery systems for all-electric vehicle drive."

The "field test," slated to start early next year, is intended to also provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility, user behavior and the demands made of future products, the automaker said.

CEO Michael Macht said in the statement that Porsche "will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche."

In addition to the Cayenne S Hybrid, starting next year Porsche will offer a Panamera S Hybrid.