Caterham, the renowned British automaker known for its lightweight track cars, is challenging the notion that electric vehicles must be heavier than their gas-powered counterparts with their latest project, the electric sports car code-named Project V. The company’s philosophy revolves around delivering an exceptional driver-focused experience, emphasizing lightweight design and a thrilling driving experience, and the Project V aims to embody these principles.
Currently in the development stage, the Project V has set an ambitious target weight of less than 2,624 pounds. In comparison, even the Lotus Evija hypercar, renowned for its lightweight construction among electric vehicles, weighs over 3,700 pounds, although it boasts an impressive output of 2,011 horsepower. Despite its comparatively lighter weight, the Project V doesn’t compromise on performance.
Confirmed specifications for the Project V include a 268-horsepower electric motor mounted at the rear axle and a 55-kwh battery situated in the floor. This combination, according to Caterham, enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in less than 4.5 seconds, achieve a top speed of 143 mph, and provide a range of 249 miles on the WLTP test cycle, a standard often used overseas. Even when measured on the EPA cycle, the car is expected to exceed 200 miles of range. Furthermore, thanks to its compatibility with a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 15 minutes.
The relatively small battery contributes to reducing the overall weight of the car, as does the utilization of a carbon-fiber monocoque and composite body. These lightweight materials enhance the performance and efficiency of the Project V, delivering an exciting driving experience without compromising on range or speed.
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Caterham aims to launch the Project V by late 2025 or early the following year, and they have already announced a targeted price tag of less than 80,000 British pounds, which roughly translates to $103,650. This reasonable pricing demonstrates Caterham’s commitment to making electric sports cars accessible to a wider audience without compromising on performance or quality.
Excitingly, Caterham will showcase the Project V at the prestigious 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed held in the United Kingdom. Alongside the Project V, the company plans to unveil a pair of electric Seven prototypes, paying homage to the original Lotus Seven design on which Caterham’s track cars are based. Notably, Caterham has stated that an electric Seven will only enter production after the Project V, as current electric vehicle technology is still too heavy for a car of the Seven’s nature.
Kazuho Takahashi, CEO of VT Holdings, Caterham’s parent company, expressed his enthusiasm for the forthcoming reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, remarking, “We are honored to be able to unveil two new vehicles from Caterham at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new models are a result of an uncompromising fusion of two seemingly contradictory requirements: retaining the Caterham values that must never change, while evolving to meet the changing demands of customers, such as the shift towards electric.”
With the Project V, Caterham aims to prove that electric vehicles can be lightweight, electrifying, and deliver an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on range or affordability. By combining cutting-edge technology with their dedication to delivering a driver-focused experience, Caterham’s Project V has the potential to revolutionize the perception of electric vehicles and make a significant impact in the automotive industry.
