Caterham is finally bringing its Project V electric sports car to American shores, two years after the initial reveal. The company showed the vehicle at CES 2026 in Las Vegas this week, signaling a serious push into the US market after decades of absence.
Instead of spreading two liquid-cooled battery packs flat across the floor, engineers elected to place one between the front seats and the other beneath the rear seat. This arrangement keeps the driver’s seat low and balances the car’s weight, resulting in handling similar to the vintage Caterham Seven on curvy roads or a track.
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The power comes from a rear-mounted Yamaha electric motor that produces 268 horsepower. That gets you to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and tops out at 143 mph. On the WLTP cycle, you receive a projected 249 miles of range; but, in the real world of US driving, that figure is likely to dip to approximately 200. Charging is limited to 100 kW, a deliberate decision to prioritize long-term performance over rapid fill-up.
Project V weighs a comparatively light 2623 pounds, which sets it apart from other EVs to say the least. The body and chassis are comprised of carbon fiber and aluminum composite materials, and the suspension is a double-wishbone design with adjustable geometry at both ends for fast responses. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires wrap around 19- and 20-inch wheels, ensuring constant grip.
Inside, there’s a simple cabin sporting a flat dashboard with only a few basic gauges and buttons, as well as a single little screen that handles smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and a rearview camera feed. The seats are taken from Maserati and are upholstered in leather with Alcantara or suede; they are positioned low to keep you connected to the road. There is 2+2 seating in there, with occasional space for back passengers or extra gear.
Caterham went all out to create Project V, a coupe that embodies the essence of the Lotus Elan +2, while still honoring its own lightweight, driver-centric heritage. Its timeless design, with minimal overhangs and flowing lines, emphasizes utility over flash. You have three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Sprint, which allow you to make minor changes without overpowering the experience. The normal safety elements are included, of course, but the general approach has kept electronics to an absolute minimum.
Production is set to begin in 2027, with global sales including the United States. The price starts at roughly $135,000, complementing the existing Seven series by providing a practical alternative for daily driving or longer excursions while maintaining the raw interaction that makes the brand tick.
