Caterham, a name synonymous with driving pleasure and lightweight sports cars, is making a significant leap into the electric vehicle (EV) era with its latest creation, the Project V. Founded in 1959 by Graham Nearn in Caterham, Surrey, England, the company has a rich history of challenging established car manufacturers with its emphasis on the driving experience.
The company’s journey began with the acquisition of the rights to produce the Lotus Seven in 1973, which evolved into Caterham’s first flagship car, the 7. Over 50 years, Caterham refined the 7, incorporating modern enhancements while preserving its classic charm, leading to immense success in both the automotive sector and motorsport world. Caterham even became an F1 team, showcasing its capabilities on the highest racing stages.
As the automotive world shifts towards electrification, Caterham faced the challenge of adapting its lightweight, high-performance philosophy to electric vehicles. The major hurdle was developing a suitable battery pack. To overcome this, Caterham partnered with XING Mobility, leveraging their IMMERSIO CTP (cell-to-pack) battery technology. This innovative technology enables rapid cooling of the battery pack from high temperatures to safe operating levels in just 30 seconds.
The Project V, unveiled at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed and later showcased at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, promises astounding performance. With 268 horsepower from its electric motor and a 55 kWh battery capacity, combined with a lightweight design resulting in a 2,600-pound vehicle, the Project V is set to rival top sports cars from any manufacturer.
Royce Hong, CEO of XING Mobility, highlighted the alignment between Caterham’s philosophy of simplicity and lightweight design and XING Mobility’s vision for innovation and efficiency. This partnership is a significant step forward in Caterham’s journey into the all-electric future.
The Project V represents the innovation taking place in the automotive sector and sets a new standard for future sports cars. Scheduled for release in 2025, it embodies Caterham’s commitment to maintaining its reputation for driving pleasure while embracing the requirements of tomorrow’s drivers.
