Caterham Project V Prototype: Electric Dreams in the Sports Car World

Daily Car

12/12/2025

Prototype Overview and Technical Parameters

Caterham, the British builder of feather weight sports cars, will show a fully functional example of its first battery coupe, the Project V, at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Yamaha supplies the rear mounted electric motor, rated at 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). A single rear e-axle sends torque to the wheels - the layout keeps mass low plus helps traction during hard launches.

The battery comes from Xing Mobility. Cells sit directly in the pack without modules (CTP) and a dielectric fluid surrounds every cell for cooling. The result is 200 Wh per kilogram, a figure that trims weight but also should extend range while preserving the quick responses expected of a Caterham.

Design Highlights and Practicality

The show car keeps the first concept's shape - a low, long hood two-door that echoes historic Caterham lines yet adopts modern EV surfacing. Final cabin space, luggage capacity as well as ride comfort will be set once road testing ends. The firm targets the same light weight that defines its petrol cars - less mass sharpens handling and stretches each kilowatt hour further.

Market Position or Industry Context

Several rival sports car makers have slowed or shelved electric plans citing soft demand and shifting rules. Caterham presses on betting that a sub tonne EV will still win drivers who prize agility over outright power. Where the Alpine A110 E-ternité and Lotus Emira EV add bulk and output, Project V chases the direct, analogue feel of the brand's historic roadsters.

Technical Concepts Explained

E-Axle: A single housing contains the motor, gearbox also power electronics. Mounting the unit at the rear helps weight distribution and lets the car rotate keenly in corners.
Immersion-Cooled Battery: A non conductive fluid bathes the cells, draws heat away fast next to allows harder, longer use than air or water glycol loops.
CTP (Cell-to-Pack): Modules are removed - cells glue straight to the pack shell. The change raises energy density - cutting dead mass.
Energy Density (Wh/kg): Watt-hours stored per kilogram. A higher number means the same range from a lighter pack or more range from the same weight.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Although many brands now doubt near term demand for electric sports cars, Caterham keeps funding Project V. The firm reasons that once regulations tighten further, a nimble zero emission coupe will draw drivers who still want a raw, connected drive. Road plus track tests will decide final output, price and on-sale date.

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