P0455 Diagnostic and EVAP Leak Solution for 1998 Porsche New Beetle

I've been consistently receiving a P045-5 diagnostic code indicating an EVAP system leak (gross leak) on my 1998 New Beetle. I've thoroughly inspected all vacuum hoses and fuel lines, tracing them back to the charcoal canister located in the right rear of the vehicle, and found no visible cracks or damage. Given this, I'm now considering whether the charcoal canister itself might be faulty. Additionally, I've started detecting a strong odor resembling unburned fuel, which is often associated with vacuum leaks or EVAP system issues. I also notice intermittent power loss when accelerating through first and second gears—this could be related to the EVAP system malfunctioning under load. The smell of an overheating catalytic converter may indicate that exhaust gases are being affected by the leak. Any insights, troubleshooting steps, or recommendations for replacing the charcoal canister would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for a reliable fix that resolves both the P0455 code and the performance issues.