The British handcrafted vehicle manufacturer Caterham is undergoing a complete reinvention . It is one of the most legendary brands the automotive industry has ever produced, and its essence is proof that in the early days of the sector, things were done differently. The Seven is the ultimate expression of its range, and all its models revolve around it. In fact, the Caterham EV Seven, which is debuting these days, is key to its near future.
As we've already mentioned, Caterham is a very small player . But if it wants to survive in a sector where partnerships and alliances are increasingly essential, it needs to get its act together. That's why its new owners have given the green light to the development of its first electric vehicle . Of course, they'll do it their way, as that's the path they want to follow to avoid losing their core identity. And the EV Seven in these photos seems like the perfect choice.
How is the new Caterham EV Seven…?
It's clear that the EV Seven is an electric reinterpretation of the iconic Seven . In fact, the brand doesn't hide the fact that it's based on it, as this is the best way to attract customers who seek classic style in a modern context. In this case, its aesthetics follow the classic style already seen in the brand's models, but there are some elements that set it apart. We're referring to the technology used in the headlights , the wheel design, and the interior.
As a side note, the body is painted white with contrasting green sections. The British Union Jack appears on the trunk lid , and the initials EV, identifying it as an electric vehicle, are displayed on the tailgate. On the side, the inscription "Drive Electrified" appears on the hood, along with SEVEN and the EV in black, and below that, a QR code and the brand name. Not to mention the tubular safety cage.
In contrast, the front fenders are painted black and the rear ones green . The same black color is used for the headlights located at the front, next to the turn signals. Little is known about the interior, as it is merely a prototype and no images have been released. However, it appears to be as spartan as before, using durable materials and minimal technology.
The development of the EV Seven concept is carried out by the brand and its partners from Swindon Powertrain…
To explain how the technique of the new EV Seven is, we will go to the official press release of the brand. In it they explain that...
"Based on the larger Seven chassis, the EV Seven features a customized 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."
In this case, Caterham enlisted the technical assistance of Swindon Powertrain. If you're unfamiliar with the brand, they are a specialist that designed the electric motor and auxiliary components. The result is a prototype with 243 hp and 250 Nm of torque . This translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 4 seconds and a top speed of nearly 210 km/h. All of this is thanks to its 52 kWh gross and 40 kWh net battery.
Among other specifications provided by the manufacturer, we know it measures 3,35 meters long, 1,68 meters wide, and 1,11 meters high. But the most interesting detail is its weight, which is less than 700 kilograms, representing an increase of approximately 70 kilograms compared to the combustion-engine Seven 485. Furthermore, while its range is unknown, its charging power is specified, reaching a maximum of 152 kW when using direct current.
Could it hit the market…?
If after reading this information you want to get a Caterham EV Seven, we are sorry to give you this bad news. In its press release, the brand indicates that…
“ We have no plans to put the EV Seven into production at this stage . The EV Seven is a testbed to see how well an EV powertrain works for our customers’ specific use cases. We are doing this with our eyes wide open to learn how to deliver the specific attributes needed for a Caterham Seven: light, simple, and fun to drive. We will bring this to market at the right time , when the next generation of battery technology allows it.”
So, get used to the idea that it will still be a while before you see this model on the market. However, it will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this July . And not only that, it will also make a special appearance at the First Glance Paddock as well as at Caterham's 50th anniversary celebration at Donington Park in September.
Source – Caterham
