British sports car manufacturer Caterham has made significant progress on its all-electric Seven series, which was announced two years ago. The company recently unveiled a technology development showcasing a future electric Caterham Seven, providing the first glimpse of its performance capabilities.
The electric Caterham Seven, also known as the EV Seven, features a 179 kW E-axle from Swindon Powertrain and a battery pack with immersion cooling. The battery pack boasts a capacity of 51 kWh, of which 40 kWh is usable, and offers fast charging capabilities of up to 152 kW. True to Caterham’s commitment to lightweight design, the EV concept impressively weighs only around 70 kilograms more than its current combustion counterpart in the Seven series.
Remaining true to its heritage, the Caterham Seven maintains its distinctive featuresāa narrow chassis, two seats set far back, and four free-standing wheels. However, the introduction of stricter regulations poses a potential challenge to the model’s future existence.
To accommodate the additional weight of the battery, Caterham aimed to recalibrate the suspension geometry and make adjustments to other aspects of the chassis. The company also omitted certain systems commonly found in mainstream electric vehicles, such as regenerative braking, in order to further reduce weight. The extent to which these modifications have been implemented in the current concept remains uncertain, as it serves primarily as a technology demonstrator.
Caterham CEO Bob Laishley emphasized that the production of the EV Seven will depend on advancements in battery technology. He stated, “We do not have immediate plans to put the EV Seven into production. It serves as a test bed to assess how well an electric powertrain performs in meeting our customers’ specific use cases. We approach this project with a clear understanding of delivering the distinctive Caterham attributes: lightweight, simplicity, and enjoyable driving experience.”
Enthusiasts eager to catch a glimpse of the concept car can visit the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, this July. The debut of the show car aligns with Caterham’s 50-year jubilee, further adding to the anticipation and celebration.
Furthermore, Caterham is actively working on developing another all-electric sports car concept, which is scheduled to be unveiled later this year. The company’s commitment to exploring electric mobility while staying true to its brand identity underscores its dedication to meeting the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
