Caterham’s long-awaited electric sports car project—once thought to be quietly fading into the background—has officially re-entered the spotlight. The British maker of featherweight performance machines has confirmed that its first fully functional prototype will finally be unveiled on January 9, 2026, at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It’s the company’s clearest sign yet that its EV ambitions are not only alive but accelerating.
From Concept Dreams to a Drivable Reality
The EV, formerly shown as Project V back in 2023, instantly caught attention for promising Caterham-style minimalism with modern electric punch. The original concept tipped the scales at just 2,623 pounds, barely heavier than a Mazda Miata—an almost unheard-of figure in today’s battery-laden EV landscape.
Under that lightweight body, Caterham promised:
- 268 hp from a single rear-mounted electric motor
- A 55.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- Up to 249 miles of driving range
- Fast-charge capability from 20% to 80% in just 15 minutes
If these specs remain intact, the production model could deliver sub-4.5-second 0–60 mph sprints and a top speed of 143 mph—in true Caterham spirit.
Dual Debut: A Prototype and a Throwback
While the new working prototype heads to Tokyo, the stunning 2023 show car isn’t being left behind. It will make its way to CES in Las Vegas on January 4, giving fans on both sides of the globe a chance to experience Caterham’s vision for an electric future.
A Delayed Timeline, but a Clearer Path
Caterham originally hinted that production might begin as early as late 2025. That plan has shifted considerably. The company now says prototype testing will continue through 2026, suggesting a realistic production launch sometime in 2027.
It’s a delay, certainly—but not a surprise in the rapidly evolving world of electric performance development.
A Lightweight EV Worth Waiting For
With its minimalist philosophy and performance-first engineering, Caterham’s electric sports car has the potential to stand apart from the growing crowd of heavy, overpowered EVs. If the upcoming prototype stays true to the original idea, enthusiasts may soon have a rare option: an electric sports car that values feel as much as speed.
And after years of quiet, Caterham finally seems ready to show that the wait may be worth it.
