In a world where EVs seem determined to get bigger, heavier, and more screen-obsessed, Caterham delivers a much-needed shock to the system. “The Project V is a remarkable example of how electrifying driving experiences can be achieved without compromising the essence of a sports car. This little electric vehicle can teach us a lot more about the future of EVs and can positively influence future car designs. How about we uncover the real reasons behind our beliefs?
Lightweight Legacy, Electric Future
Unlike upcoming competitors such as the MG Cyberster or the increasingly hefty Lotus line-up (Eletre, anyone?), Caterham gets it. The Project V’s lightweight design is its superpower. At just 1,190kg, it rivals the sprightly Mazda MX-5 RF in weight – a remarkable achievement for an EV. This featherweight construction, paired with a punchy 268bhp electric motor, promises an unfiltered driving experience, that prioritises lightweight and good dynamics above all else, a recipe that will put many acceleration-obsesed, high-dollar EVs to shame.
The Bloat-Free EV
With an impressive 249-mile range, the Project V dispels the myth that thrilling EVs can’t be practical. Caterham’s solution is ingenious yet straightforward: a lightweight design and a cleverly positioned split-battery pack that optimizes weight distribution for dynamic driving. This lean approach is the antithesis of the bloated, tech-laden beasts being churned out by many mainstream manufacturers. It’s time for the ‘dinosaur EV’ to go extinct.
A Design Inspired by Icons, Not Touchscreens
While other automakers seem locked in an arms race of screen size, Caterham takes a refreshingly minimalist approach. The Project V’s interior features a masterclass in distraction-free design. A small screen handles CarPlay, while digital dials housed in a T-shaped console cleverly mimic the look of classic analogue gauges – a touch that feels right at home in a true Caterham.
What truly sets the Project V’s interior apart is the seating. Forget the traditional two-seater, Caterham delivers a three-seater layout with the driver front and centre – a reverse, modernized McLaren F1 philosophy! It’s a bold move that highlights Caterham’s commitment to driver engagement.
The Future is Light, The Future is Focused
The Caterham Project V might have been an exercise in making Caterham relevant for future petrolheads. It isn’t just about creating a fun EV but it’s about proving that the industry needs a course correction. We don’t need heavier cars with oversized touchscreens that distract more than they inform. We need cars that prioritize pure driving pleasure, and Project V shows exactly how to achieve it.
With its lightweight construction, clever battery tech, and a driver-centric ethos, Caterham has without a doubt managed to create an EV with the soul of a classic sports car and the tech to propel it into the future, but what does this mean for the industry? Well to paraphrase Neil Armstrong, it might it a small step for this boutique British automaker, but it could very well be the leap for all upcoming EVs. Not only does it take us back to a simpler time, but it also puts the focus back on what sports cars should be about. In an industry chasing quicker acceleration figures and bigger horsepower figures, the Project V is a wake-up call for the entire automotive industry – and one that should inspire manufacturers and teach them that less is more.