Caterham has revealed Project V, a lightweight fully-electric coupé concept vehicle which it says could arrive as early as 2025. The EV is the creation of new chief designer, Anthony Jannarelly, and Italian engineering firm, Italdesign.
Project V uses a battery electric powertrain, powered by a 200kW (272PS) single motor mounted in the rear axle.
This is paired with a 55kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack with advanced thermal management, and the ability to recharge from 20-80% in as little as 15 minutes using a 150kW DC rapid charger.
With acceleration of 0-62mph (100kph) in less than 4.5s, Project V will reach an estimated top speed of 143mph (230kph) and deliver a target WLTP range of 249 miles (400km) (Photo: Caterham)
The concept features double wishbone front and rear suspension with fully adjustable geometry, electrically assisted power steering, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (19” front and 20” rear), and brake discs all-round with high-performance calipers.
Caterham has targeted a kerb weight of 1,190kg (2+1 configuration) which will be achieved by using a carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis (Photo: Caterham)
Anthony Jannarelly, Chief Designer for Project V, said “A Caterham Seven’s design is simple and minimalist, it’s designed for its intended function, to be lightweight and fun to drive,” said Anthony Jannarelly, Chief Designer for Project V.
“Every single feature has to justify itself from a weight perspective to maintain lightness and optimise driver engagement,” added Jannarelly.
The Project V show car uses a 2+1 seating layout – 2+2 as optional (Photo: Caterham)
“Project V fulfils our ambition to sustainably grow the company and explore electrification simultaneously,” noted Bob Laishley, Caterham CEO.
“Subject to the next phases of development and technical capability, Project V could be brought to market towards the end of 2025 or early 2026 with a target price starting from less than £80,000,” added Laishley.
To support the venture, Caterham EVo has been established to handle all relevant business and investment interests related to Project V (Photo: Caterham)
“By using a more practical coupé body style and by exploiting the packaging benefits of an EV, this is a car that works as well for trips to the shops, or the school run, as it does for Sunday morning sprints,” noted Laishley.
Drivers can choose between Normal, Sport and Sprint driving modes that intelligently adjust the acceleration and steering for different environments (Photo: Caterham)
The Project V show car will make its public debut July 13th at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
