British car manufacturer Caterham has been working for two years on an electric car project expected to change the face of sports cars, as it prepares to present the first version of its future concept at the Tokyo Motor Show next January.
Caterham is currently using the prototype to evaluate the chassis durability, the powertrain system, and the integrated battery system that uses cells immersed in an insulating fluid for rapid heat dissipation and optimal cooling.
The appearance of the prototype represents a milestone in the development of “Project V”.
The next step will enable the start of a comprehensive testing program in collaboration with technical partners. The goal remains singular: to build a fully electric sports car that embodies the distinctive DNA of a Caterham.
The goal was to complete the development of “Project V” by mid-2025 and start production either before the end of that year or in early 2026. However, it is now believed the car will arrive in 2027 at the earliest.
The Car’s Battery
The first model of the car is scheduled to be equipped with a 55 kWh battery, but the production version using Yamaha’s e-axle technology will feature two batteries: one in front of the rear axle and another beneath the front footwells.
The drive system will be installed in a lightweight chassis made from carbon fiber, fiberglass, and composite aluminum, featuring a double-wishbone suspension with fully adjustable geometry. Caterham aims for the car to weigh just 1190 kilograms.
This relatively light weight, compared to many other electric cars, allows the battery to provide a driving range of up to 249 miles. It also powers a rear motor with 268 horsepower, enabling an expected acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Fast Charging
Thanks to fast charging capability of up to 150 kW, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 15 minutes, confirming that significant attention was paid to track performance when designing the “Project V” car.
