Radical Caterham Project V electric car previewed

British sports car-maker Caterham has issued a teaser image of a near-production concept that previews its first-ever battery-electric car and will be unveiled on July 12.

Developed under the Caterham Project V codename, the Kent-based manufacturer’s first zero-emissions sports car concept is shown in a single shadowy side profile image that suggests the EV was heavily inspired by the likes of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (1967) and the Ferrari Dino 206 (1967-1969).

Created to chime in Caterham’s 50th anniversary, the new concept has been developed under the mantra that it will be lightweight, fun to drive and driver focused.

Expected to feature a development of the powertrain that was recently unveiled in the Caterham EV Seven concept last month, the new EV supercar could come with the same 240kW/250Nm rear-mounted motor that should enable a sub-4.0sec 0-100km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 250km/h.

The beauty of the EV Seven concept was it was powered by a lightweight 51kWh (40kWh useable) battery incorporating advanced liquid cooling that allowed it to be recharged from 0-100 per cent in just 15 minutes using a 150kW DC fast-charger.

Using a small battery meant that the EV Seven concept weighed in at just 701kg – only 70kg more than a Caterham Seven 485 that offers similar level of performance to the zero-emissions sports car.

Leading the design project is Anthony Jannarelly, the designer best known for the W Motors Lykan Hypersport.

Jannarelly has also recruited the services of famed Italian styling firm Italdesign.

To keep weight down, the new Project V will be based around a steel spaceframe and feature a body made either of aluminium or carbon-fibre.

It’s not clear when the production version of the Caterham Project V is set to be introduced, but rumours suggest it’s being readied for a 2026 launch.

When it arrives, the new Caterham will battle it out against both an all-new Alpine EV and a pure-electric Lotus sports car that were originally planned to be co-developed before the joint-venture between the Renault-owned brand and British brand collapsed.

Another serious contender will be the battery-powered replacement for the current Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman.

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