Caterham, the British sports car maker, is advancing its electrification plans, announcing a collaboration with Taiwan-based Xing Mobility for an innovative battery system in its first all-electric sports car. This follows the earlier confirmation of an electric motor supplied by Yamaha for the upcoming model.
The Xing Mobility battery pack employs immersion cooling technology, with cells submerged in a dielectric liquid to enhance heat dissipation. According to Caterham, this design provides a significant performance edge over conventional liquid-cooled systems. With an energy density of 200 Wh/kg, the battery aims to deliver competitive range and efficiency for the lightweight sports car.
While the exact size and weight of the battery pack remain undisclosed, the compact dimensions of the Project V prototype suggest it will be optimized for a smaller, high-performance configuration. Initial specifications pointed to a 55-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, expected to offer up to 249 miles (400 km) of range. This energy density places the Xing battery alongside competitors such as CATL’s Shenxing Plus EV battery at 205 Wh/kg and Tesla’s 4680 cells at 296 Wh/kg.
The battery will power Yamaha’s e-Axle motor, which is anticipated to produce 268 hp, consistent with the initial concept’s specifications. Caterham aims to maintain its reputation for lightweight, agile vehicles while adapting to the EV era.
However, the production timeline for the electric sports car faces potential delays. Caterham originally targeted a 2026 launch, but Chief Executive Bob Laishley recently acknowledged the challenges of meeting this goal. “2026 will be a challenge,” Laishley said, adding that the company has yet to finalize a manufacturing site, though it will not use the existing Dartford plant in the UK.
Caterham’s electric sports car is expected to blend cutting-edge technology with the brand’s iconic driving experience, offering a new vision for enthusiasts as the industry transitions to zero-emission mobility.
