The Caterham Project V Concept Is a Lightweight EV Coupe

• The Caterham Project V concept is set to make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 13.
• The Caterham Project V features a single, rear-mounted motor that makes 268 hp and is fed by a 55-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
• Caterham says that the Project V could hit production as early as the end of 2025.

Lightweight car maker Caterham shows what it wants to do with battery-electric machines with its Project V concept. Even though this coupe packs a BEV powertrain, the company is sticking to its lightweight principles and is targeting a sub-2700-pound curb weight. This lightweight EV is also targeting solid performance metrics and features an interesting seating layout.

Powering the Project V is a 55-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which feeds a single 200-kW rear-mounted electric motor. That translates to a 268-hp, rear-drive electric sports coupe that Caterham says can sprint to 62 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. With that 55-kWh battery, Caterham is targeting 249 miles of range on that charitable WLTP schedule. Naturally, if this hits production, its EPA estimate will be lower.

Helping this concept’s lightweight endeavors is an interesting 2+1 seating layout. The single rear seat not only helps save weight from a materials standpoint, but also helps prevent extra passengers from climbing into the rear and weighing it down. Of course, a more sensible 2+2 layout would be optional if this sees production.

Caterham’s boss Bob Laishley says, “Project V is not just a concept or design study, we’ve conducted engineering and production feasibility throughout the development process. An electric Caterham of any shape and size has to stay true to what sets us apart from everyone else: being lightweight, simple, and offering an unparalleled driving experience; that’s our DNA.”

Going further, Laishley notes that this could see production as soon as the end of 2025, and could feature a price tag lower than £80,000, or $103,903 at current exchange rates. Obviously not cheap, but it could be an option for drivers that want an EV but also want a more nimble alternative.

While it seems like this is slated for a spot in Caterham’s factory, it’s hard to say for certain. Moreso, the company didn’t mention if it plans to bring it to the United States. Those lucky folks attending this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be able to see it in the flesh.

Do you think that Caterham should put this Project V into production? Tell us your thoughts below.

Wesley Wren has spent his entire life around cars, whether it’s dressing up as his father’s 1954 Ford for Halloween as a child, repairing cars in college or collecting frustrating pieces of history—and most things in between. Wesley is the current steward of a 1954 Ford Crestline Victoria, a 1975 Harley-Davidson FXE and a 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie. Oh yeah, and a 2005 Kia Sedona.