Caterham: the future electric Seven is (almost) here!
Historic milestone in Caterham’s history: here is the prototype of the first electric Seven. It is very close to the production version, which will be marketed in a few months.
Donkervoort, Westfield, Martin… The Lotus Seven born in 1957 gave birth to a string of toddlers. But only the Caterhams are the official descendants of the one who perfectly represents the leitmotiv « Light is Right » de Colin Chapman. For more than 65 years, the “Cat” have been small cars cut out for the track. Bombinettes lightened to their maximum, and stuffed with overly powerful engines compared to their smallness! The 340, presented last November, is its worthy successor. It replaces the 275 by boarding the same four-cylinder Ford Duratec as in the indomitable 485. But here in a wiser version. With a displacement of 2 liters, it still develops 170 horsepower. Knowing that Mademoiselle only displays 560 kilos on the scalethis provides a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio!
Electric Caterhams
All of Caterham’s DNA lies there. But how to reproduce such a philosophy on an electric? THE The very disabling weight of the batteries is quite a challenge to achieve the same driving sensations as in the thermal version. Because yes, Caterham will go electric! Rest assured, it does not replace the “historic” petrol Caterhams, but will complement them within the range. The British brand has just presented the Seven EV! This is not the final version, but still a concept car. However, this is very close to the future production version. The Seven EV is developed in partnership with Swindon Powertrains EV, a specialist in electric motors for sports use. It is based on the same and current chassis of the thermal Seven.
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Test: the 168 horsepower Caterham Seven 340R
Lotus Eletre: soon a 900 horsepower version?
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Great performances
Like any self-respecting Caterham, this one will have to be comfortable on the track as well as on the road. First challenge: autonomy. Engineers have equipped it with a 51 kWh battery. This should allow drive all-electric for 20 minutes. It doesn’t seem like much, but thanks to a charging power of up to 152 kW, it can be recharged up to 80% in just 15 minutes. The engine supplied by Swindon is developing 240 horsepower and 250 Nm. In doing so, the little sportswoman will be able to bring down 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds. Its top speed is announced at 210 km/h. And the weight then? He will be content under 700 kg according to the first announcements made. The serial version should arrive in some months.
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