New electric vehicle challenges traditional automotive norms with simplicity and lightness at its core
In an exciting development from Caterham, the iconic car maker has revealed its concept for an all-electric sports coupe, codenamed Project V. This vehicle, projected for a late 2025 or early 2026 release, is designed from scratch as an electric vehicle, thus marking a notable shift for the company into the realm of electric mobility.
“Project V is not just a concept or design study, we’ve conducted engineering and production feasibility throughout the development process,”
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars Ltd
From concept to reality: journey of Project V
Designed by Anthony Jannarelly, Caterham’s new Chief Designer, and brought to life by Italian engineering firm, Italdesign, Project V is all set to stir up the electric vehicle market. Its minimalist design philosophy aligns with Caterham’s legacy models like the Seven, emphasizing lightness and simplicity.
Performance and power in harmony
Featuring a 200kW single motor mounted in the rear axle and paired with a 55kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack, Project V promises impressive performance capabilities. Notably, the car can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 4.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of around 143mph. Additionally, it’s equipped with advanced thermal management technology and can recharge 60% of its battery in 15 minutes using a 150kW DC rapid charger.
Design emphasizing lightness and driver engagement
Jannarelly, explaining his design approach, remarked that every feature of the car had to justify itself from a weight perspective to ensure lightness and driver engagement. The targeted kerb weight of the car is 1,190kg, made possible by using a carbon fiber and aluminum composite chassis.
Peak into Project V’s interior and capabilities
In terms of interior layout, Project V employs a 2+1 seating plan with an optional 2+2 layout. This not only facilitates easy ingress and egress but also enhances the comfort of the rear seat passenger. At the heart of the car’s interior, a simple driver-focused infotainment system incorporates smartphone mirroring. The digital instrument cluster displays crucial information for the driver.
The ultimate driving experience with adjustable settings
Drivers are offered three driving modes – Normal, Sport, and Sprint, each of which adjusts the car’s acceleration and steering to adapt to different driving environments.
Technical details: Project V’s specs
- Powertrain: 200kW single motor, rear-mounted
- Battery: 55kWh USOC lithium-ion
- Acceleration: 0-62mph in less than 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 143mph
- Estimated range: 249 miles
- Kerb weight: 1,190kg
- Seating layout: 2+1 or optional 2+2
- Charging: 20-80% in 15 minutes with a 150kW DC rapid charger
Expanding the future of Caterham
Looking ahead, Project V seems to be a potential vehicle that could expand Caterham’s customer base while preserving its brand values. The utilization of an electric powertrain and a more practical coupe body style might just redefine what a Caterham car can be, satisfying both traditional sports car enthusiasts and the modern electric vehicle market. To support these ambitions, Caterham EVo has been established, underlining the seriousness of the company’s transition to electric mobility.
The unveiling of Project V is indeed an interesting development, promising an exciting future where traditional automotive values are blended with modern advancements. It will be fascinating to see how this blend unfolds as the countdown to the car’s release begins.
