Caterham reveals first lightweight electric sports car concept
This is the new Caterham Project V concept, an all-electric sports coupe that previews a future battery-powered performance car from the British specialist marque.
The Kent-based firm is best known for its Seven sports car which first arrived in 1973, launching as a direct evolution of the Lotus Seven designed by acclaimed engineer, Colin Chapman.
Since its launch, numerous versions of the Seven have been created from the track-focussed R500, to the more whimsical 160. An electric version of the brand’s storied sports car is also in the works.
With the impending ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, specialist marque’s are safeguarding their future by turning to electrification.
And Caterham is doing just that with the Project V concept, which the firm says could enter production as early as 2026, building 2000 units per year.
Sitting on its own bespoke electric platform, the Project V has a targeted real-world range of 249 miles and is powered by a single magnet synchronous motor developing 200kW. The brand claims a 0-2mph time of less than 4.5sec and a top speed of 143mph.
Caterham has designed the concept to be a sports tourer, with the Project V promising the same everyday usability as cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Alpine A110.
The concept also features an unusual 2+1 layout, with the rear seat positioned in the middle of the back row. This again leans on the Project V’s daily-driver credentials and was only possible due to the car’s electric architecture.
The Project V is powered by two lithium ion batteries combined to offer 55kWh, which can be charged at 150kW. Each battery sits inside the car’s wheelbase but one is positioned under the dashboard, while the other sits under the rear seat for optimum weight distribution.
Caterham has not yet disclosed which company will supply the brand with batteries and powertrain technology, but will likely source drivetrain components from a third party as it has done during its ICE era.
Being a lightweight sports car manufacturer, Caterham is planning to create a new bespoke electric platform, targeting 1190kg for the production car that should arrive in three years time.
If successful, the future Caterham would be 1100kg more than the ICE-powered Alpine A110, but 186kg lighter than the French brand’s E-ternité concept – although this was the standard car with batteries added.
Unlike its Seven sibling, the new EV gets all the useful mod-cons, such as air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment and Apple Carplay screen mirroring.
Sister title Autocar reports that the future EV sports coupe will cost less than £80,000, and is expected to enter production in 2026.
