Introducing the Caterham EV Seven
A technology development showcasing a future electric Caterham Seven. The lightweight concept uses the existing Caterham Seven architecture combined with cutting-edge electric battery technology, paving the way for a future lightweight, fun-to-drive, driver focused EV.
“Any future EV model we produce must be true to the DNA of a Caterham: lightweight, fun-to-drive and driver focused. The main objective for this project is to develop a vehicle with a weight delta of no more than the equivalent of having a passenger on board.”
Bob Laishley, CEO, Caterham Cars
240bhp @ 9,000rpm
250Nm @ 0rpm
Less than 700kg
4.0 seconds (estimated)
340 bhp-per-tonne
130mph
Bespoke Swindon HPDE E Axle
Single speed, two-stage reduction with bespoke ratio
51kWh (40kWh usable) – Immersion cooled battery
L: 3,350mm, W: 1,685mm, H: 1,115mm
Based on the larger Seven chassis, EV Seven features a bespoke version of Swindon Powertrain’s E Axle, combined with an innovative approach to cooling; an immersion cooled battery pack. Immersion battery cooling uses a dielectric fluid in direct contact with the cells, enabling better thermal management during charge and discharge cycles. This cutting-edge technology is at the forefront for battery electric vehicles and, until now, has typically been employed to cool super computers.
We do not have plans to put EV Seven into production at this stage. EV Seven is a test-bed to see how well an EV powertrain works for our customers’ specific use cases. We’re doing this with our eyes wide open so that we learn how to deliver the specific attributes necessary for a Caterham Seven; lightweight, simple and fun to drive. We’ll bring this to market at the right time, when the future generation of battery technology allows it.
EV Seven will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this July. As well as a special appearance within the First Glance Paddock, the EV Seven will also participate competitively in the world-famous Goodwood Hill Climb. Two variations have been built for track testing, and will appear at various events including Caterham’s 50th Birthday Celebrations hosted at Donington Park in September.
“Building a Seven that’s capable of a Sunday morning drive is achievable with current battery technology, but the challenge is for track use where the energy consumption is greatly increased. At the moment, immersion battery cooling is one of the best solutions in terms of coping with the rapid charge and discharge cycles that would be experienced on a race track”
Bob Laishley, CEO, Caterham Cars