Forget the EV Horsepower Wars – Caterham Shows Us the Right Way

Forget the EV Horsepower Wars – Caterham Shows Us the Right Way
 

Bored of Tesla's focus on headline-grabbing horsepower and finicky self-driving gimmicks?  Caterham's Project V delivers a much-needed alternative for driving enthusiasts. This lightweight electric sports car is the antithesis to Tesla's approach, promising pure driver connection and back-to-basics thrills. Think classic British sports car handling, reimagined for the EV era. If you crave a car that puts you in control, Caterham's vision might be the future you've been waiting for.

Tesla who?  The long-promised, never-delivered Roadster, the Model S Plaid that weighs as much as a small planet... It seems every EV maker is fixated on those 0-60mph times that translate to bragging rights at your neighborhood pub, but they are a far cry from driving perfection. A great man, called Colin Chapman, who knew a thing or two about fast cars once said, simplify and then add lightness. Thankfully, a classic British brand gets it and they have been religiously following the teachings and recipe once concocted by Chapman for over half a century now. Caterham's latest project builds on the same philosophy and takes it to the electrified era with the all-new Project V, a simplified electric sports car that isn't about chasing ludicrous numbers, it's about proving EVs can be thrilling and true to the sports car spirit craved by petrolheads around the world.

Here's a brief of why the Caterham Project V is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the EV performance car industry: 

• The Tesla Problem: Insane numbers don't equal driving delight.
• Lightweight = Agility: The EV handling revolution starts here.
• Classic Design, Modern Tech: A retro-inspired shape with the right technology where it counts.
• Price That Makes Sense: Sports car thrills shouldn't require you to be a tech millionaire
• The Antidote to Excess: In a world of bulky EVs, this is back-to-basics brilliance.

Weight is the Enemy and Caterham's Declared War on Bloated EVs

Let's be real, most performance EVs are bloated courtesy of dense battery packs. Multi-motor setups sound impressive, but those add pounds, not driving pleasure. The Project V? It's refreshingly simple: one motor, a cleverly packaged split battery for optimal weight distribution, and a respectable 268 horsepower transmitted solely to the rear wheels. Remember, this isn't some grocery-getter – it aims to weigh a mere 1,190 kg. That's lighter than most modern petrol-hot hatches, let alone its EV rivals. This is vintage Colin Chapman thinking, applied to the future. Oh and did I mention that it also draws parallels to the McLaren F1 with its 2+1 seating layout, but the brand does plan to provide a 2+2 layout with the production version. 

Driver's Car, Electric Boogaloo

Sure, the acceleration rush of a Tesla is a one-time giggle. But on a twisty road, those extra tons don't magically vanish. The Project V's cockpit sends the right message: a small touchscreen, simple but beautiful gauges, and a steering wheel that begs to be used. The focus is on YOU, not a parade of tech that distracts more than it delights.  Lotus fans will get the vibe – this is a pure British sports car that harks back to the ethos of the Lotus and Caterham Seven, revived for the electrified future. And not to forget, the first Caterham with a solid roof. 

Usable And Exciting: Finally, an EV That Makes Sense

249 miles of claimed range? That's more than enough for a proper adventure. Adjustable suspension so it works on track as well as a B-road blast. That's versatility most EVs lack including the everyday family EVs like the Model 3 which suffer from stiff ride quality courtesy of their weight. And here's the kicker: it's set to cost under £80,000. For context, that's less than a base Tesla Model S, for a thoroughbred British sports car that promises infinitely more driver involvement.

The Bottom Line

The Project V might be a year or two away from production, with Caterham hinting at a late 2025 to early 2026 launch, it's a blueprint every EV maker needs to follow. We driving enthusiasts don't care about drag races, we want a connection, a sense of the car and the road working together. Caterham, usually the retro purists, might just have delivered the most future-proof sports car vision yet. It restores my faith in the electric revolution, and I, for one, can't wait to get behind the wheel.

Bhavik Sreenath is an automotive expert, writer, and founder of Motolog Studio. With a Master's in Automotive Journalism and experience in publications like Bodyshop Magazine, he delivers compelling stories about the cars we love. From designing magazine layouts to reporting on eco-conscious practices, he brings a multifaceted perspective to automotive writing. His experience in Automotive Journalism makes him a vocal voice for car enthusiasts and industry insiders. Follow Bhavik on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, to stay in touch and up-to-date with the latest EV and battery development news.