WHAT’S NEW? WHAT’S NEW?

A monthly round-up of all the latest releases and upcoming electric vehicles!

CATERHAM UNVEILS PROJECT V, AN ALL-ELECTRIC COUPÉ CONCEPT CAR

Caterham has revealed Project V, a lightweight fully-electric coupé concept vehicle that has the potential to arrive in 2025.

Designed as an electric vehicle from the start, Project V is the creation of new Chief Designer, Anthony Jannarelly. His vision has been brought to life by worldrenowned Italian engineering firm, Italdesign.

Project V uses a battery electric powertrain, powered by a 200kW (272PS) single motor mounted in the rear axle. This is paired with a 55kWh USOC lithium-ion battery pack with advanced thermal management, and the ability to recharge from 20-

80% in as little as 15 minutes using a 150kW DC rapid charger.

With acceleration of 0-62mph (100kph) in less than 4.5 seconds, Project V will reach an estimated top speed of 143mph (230kph) and deliver a target WLTP range of 249 miles (400km).

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars Ltd and COO of the newly established Caterham EVo, said: “Project V fulfils our ambition to sustainably grow the company and explore electrification simultaneously. Subject to the next phases of development and technical capability, Project V could be brought to market towards the end of 2025 or early 2026 with a target price starting from less than £80,000.”

Triumph And Makkina Reveal Electric Tr25 Concept

Triumph is marking 100 years since its name first appeared on a production car with a new electric TR25 concept car.

The TR25 created by Makkina is a celebration of the great British roadster, paying particular homage to the record-breaking ‘Jabbeke’ Triumph TR2, MVC575, which broke the land speed record for production cars under two litres in May 1953.

From the outset, Makkina’s desire was to showcase the characteristics that made MVC575 such an important car. The front end with its two distinctive headlights – a design also synonymous with subsequent Triumph sports cars – the sleek, aerodynamically-optimised exterior surfaces, the single-seat configuration with optional flip-out jump seat for the passenger, plus the uncompromising driver-focused cabin.

Using an all-electric BMW i3S as a platform, Makkina has been able to give the TR25 a near 50-50 weight distribution, allowing it to corner as a true sports car should. Coupled with a low centre of gravity and compact proportions, the i3S serves as the perfect foundation for Makkina to develop the next chapter in British sports car history.

Director at Makkina, Michael Ani, said: “Our aim was to update the true character of the original record-breaking ‘Jabbeke’ TR2 with our design, through both interior and exterior design. Using the BMW i3S platform allows us to create a blend of old and new with the TR2-inspired body shape and the versatile and adaptable powertrain, creating a seamless, fully electric experience. The i3S platform proves that driving an electric car can be fun! The combination of instant torque, acceleration, agility and silence are as compelling now as ever.”

WHAT’S NEW?

EQUIPMAKE SUPPLIES E-DRIVETRAIN FOR LUXURY LONG-RANGE ELECTRIC BOAT

UK-based engineering specialist Equipmake has supplied an advanced e-drivetrain system for a world-first electric flying boat. For the project, Equipmake designed, developed, and manufactured a bespoke fully electric drivetrain, featuring a specially adapted version of its lightweight, power dense, high-performance HPM-400 motor, producing peak power of 80kW, complete with an integrated gearbox. The drivetrain also features Equipmake’s own HPI-450 IGBT inverter and a 120kWh custom battery pack. A collaboration between modern classic yacht design and build experts, Spirit Yachts, and advanced marine engineering company, BAR Technologies, the new SpiritBARTech35EF is claimed to be the first of its kind to have a fast-cruising range of 100 nautical miles. Using BAR Technologies’ America’s Cup simulation and design expertise, the purpose-built 35ft electric flying boat features a trio of active retractable foils to help minimise drag. The project is the first time Equipmake’s electrification products and expertise have been applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market, which is estimated to be worth $16.6 billion by 20301. Following the success of the project, Equipmake and BAR Technologies are exploring further opportunities to collaborate and increase the potential market for Equipmake’s products in BAR Technologies’ systems.

Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake said: “On behalf of everyone at Equipmake I’m proud we have played a key role with

Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies on this incredible electric flying boat, which truly sets new standards for long range electric vessels. Our in-house developed electrification technology has many varied high-performance applications, from aerospace to automotive, and the SpiritBARTech35EF is the perfect showcase for how it can be applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market.”

Amazon Rolls Out First Electric Delivery Vans From Rivian In Europe

Amazon has announced the arrival of its new custom electric delivery vans from Rivian in Europe, with the first vans rolling out in Germany.

More than 300 electric delivery vans are hitting the road in the Munich, Berlin, and Dusseldorf regions in the coming weeks, joining a fleet of thousands of electric vans already in operation in Europe, including more than 1,000 electric vans in Germany. Amazon announced last year that it plans to invest more than €1 billion to electrify its European transportation network and reduce carbon emissions over the coming years, including more than €400M in Germany.

Amazon began rolling out its custom electric delivery vans from Rivian in the U.S. last summer and already has more than 3,000 vans delivering packages in over 500 U.S. cities and regions. The company aims to have 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from Rivian on the road globally by 2030, helping to save millions of metric tons of carbon per year.