Currently reading: Watch: Caterham Project V hits the test track

New video shows British company's 268bhp, 1430kg electric sports car on the move as development ramps up

Caterham has released a video showing its new electric sports car, the Project V, on the move.

The footage shows a prototype conducting various manoeuvres on a test track, including charging and braking from high speed.

The first rolling prototype of the coupé was displayed at January's Tokyo Auto Salon, marking a major milestone in its development.

Caterham had previously been tight-lipped about the car's development following the October 2024 annoucement that it would use an electric motor supplied by Yamaha.

The British company said in December 2025 that it was evaluating the EV's motor and battery performance, as well as the durability of its chassis.

“This next step enables us to complete a comprehensive vehicle testing programme,” said CEO Kazuho Takahashi.

Takahasi – who is also president and founder of Japanese firm VT Holdings, which acquired Caterham in 2021 – assumed control last month after Bob Laishley stepped down.

The Project V was first shown in concept form at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was originally earmarked for a market launch this year.

The new video shows the prototype is largely similar to the concept unveiled three years ago. Key changes include a swap from polygonal rear lights to four round items – reminiscent of those on the Ferrari F355 – and a swap from a bespoke steering wheel with an airbag to an off-the-shelf Momo part without one.

It remains to be seen whether the latter part will be retained for the production car.

The testing prototype also has four seats, rather than the three of the concept.

Caterham said the Project V will have 268bhp, weigh 1430kg and dispatch the 0-62mph dash in less than 5.0sec. It had originally targeted a mass of 1190kg and a 0-62mph time of less than 4.5sec.

It's also aiming to achieve an official range of 249 miles and a 20-80% charging time of 20 minutes.

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Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

He is the proud owner of a Mk4 Mazda MX-5 but still feels pangs of guilt over selling his first car, a Fiat Panda 100HP.