CATERHAM'S PROJECT V - THE LIGHTWEIGHT ELECTRIC COUPé HAS HIT THE WORKING PROTOTYPE STAGE. NOICE.
Caterham’s classic lightweight ethos just got electrified. Project V, the brand’s fully-electric coupé, is the first Caterham conceived from the ground up as an EV, and it’s already making waves before a single wheel hits the road. Designed by Chief Designer Anthony Jannarelly and brought to life by Italian engineering maestros Italdesign, Project V is a minimalist powerhouse: 200 kW from a single rear-mounted motor, paired with a 55 kWh USOC lithium-ion battery that can recharge from 20–80% in just 15 minutes on a 150 kW DC fast charger. 0–100 km/h comes in under 4.5 seconds, top speed is pegged at 230 km/h, and with a target WLTP range of 400 km, this is an electric sports car built for epic drives, not just short bursts around the block.
Staying true to Caterham DNA, Project V is featherlight: just 1,190 kg thanks to a carbon fibre and aluminium composite chassis, and a minimalist 2+1 seating layout (2+2 optional) keeps the focus firmly on the driver while offering flexible comfort for a passenger behind. The cockpit is clean and purposeful, with a simple driver-focused infotainment system and a digital cluster for essential info. Normal, Sport, and Sprint modes tailor the acceleration and steering for any mood or road. Double wishbone suspension front and rear, adjustable geometry, electrically assisted power steering, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (19” front, 20” rear) and high-performance brakes ensure Project V handles with the precision of a Caterham should.
The first working prototype will make its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon on 9 January 2026, alongside development partners Yamaha Motor and XING Mobility. Built at Caterham’s Tokyo R&D facility, the car is already undergoing powertrain evaluation, chassis durability testing, and intensive battery trials. Its innovative CTP battery system immerses cells in a dielectric liquid for rapid and uniform cooling, delivering thermal stability, safety, and performance - a clever trick to make EV thrills feel as raw as a Seven on a twisty back road. Project V will also make its US debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas on 6 January, giving tech and car fans a first look at Caterham’s electrified future. CEO Kazuho Takahashi summed it up best: “Our objective remains unchanged: to realise our vision of a pure electric sports car that embodies the unmistakable DNA of a Caterham.”
Minimalist. Electric. Lightning-fast. Project V proves that even in the age of electrons, Caterham still knows how to make your pulse race. ⚡🏎️
Take a look at the YouTube video from a while back when details of Project V were captured in this video - the actual prototype looks to live up to what the designers and engineers wanted from this project: Caterham Project V | Starting From Zero | Caterham
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