Caterham readies 'working' Project V for Tokyo

First functional prototype EV coming next month, as the brand 'works towards full-scale production'

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 11 December 2025 / Loading comments

While it has been a while since anything had been heard about the Project V - Caterham being busy with a new turbo engine, among other things - development has continued behind the scenes. So much so, in fact, that there’s a working prototype set to be unveiled at the Tokyo show next month.

The prototype will be powered by the Yamaha e-axle confirmed last year, with a CTP battery system that features cells ‘immersed in a dielectric liquid’. This is better for heat dissipation and therefore cooling, and a battery that can maintain a stable temperature is a happy one.

The Project V is currently undergoing powertrain evaluation and chassis durability assessment, the testing required as Caterham ‘works towards full-scale production.’ So in case you were concerned that the coupe it showed previously (to great fanfare) was just a styling buck or a conversation starter, rest assured it is forging ahead. And where better than the home motor show of its parent company to show off what’s been achieved thus far?

As it happens, the functional prototype will be on the Tokyo stand the same week that the original Project V concept makes its US debut at CES in Las Vegas. Bet you never thought a Caterham would be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show, yet here we are.

“This is a significant milestone in the development of Project V, with our prototype making its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon,” said Kazuho Takahashi, Caterham’s new CEO. “This next step enables us to begin a comprehensive vehicle testing program in collaboration with our technical partners. Our objective remains unchanged: to realise our vision of a pure electric sports car that embodies the unmistakable DNA of a Caterham.”

Bring on that Cayman and A110 group test…