Caterham, a brand under the ownership of Japanese automotive group VT Holdings, has made an exciting announcement regarding their upcoming EV sports coupe, Project V. The company has revealed its plans to integrate immersion-cooled battery packs in Project V, a move that is set to revolutionize the performance, longevity, and safety of the vehicle.
Partnering with Xing Mobility, Caterham will incorporate their IMMERSIO Cell-to-Pack (CTP) immersion-cooling system into Project V. This innovative technology involves submerging the battery cells in a dielectric liquid, offering enhanced heat dissipation, safety, and energy density of 200Wh/kg. These features are expected to significantly boost the efficiency of the EV.
Project V, which was first showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2023, will make a reappearance at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2024. The vehicle embodies Caterham’s signature philosophy of lightweight driving, promising a thrilling experience for enthusiasts.
In collaboration with Tokyp R&D and Yamaha Motor, Caterham aims to complete the prototype of Project V by 2025, with mass production to follow. By embracing immersion-cooled battery technology, Caterham is taking a proactive step towards enhancing the performance and safety of electric vehicles as they gain popularity in the market.
In a similar vein, Xiaomi recently unveiled the luxury version of its SU7 electric sports car, the SU7 Ultra, in October 2024. Priced at $114,000, the SU7 Ultra has garnered immense popularity, receiving over 3,600 orders within minutes of its debut. Competing with established brands like Tesla and Porsche, the SU7 Ultra boasts premium components such as a carbon-fiber roof, performance ceramic brakes, and aerodynamic styling.
The prototype of the SU7 Ultra was initially revealed in July 2024, signaling Xiaomi’s foray into the high-end electric sports car segment. These developments in the electric vehicle industry highlight the growing trend towards advanced technologies and innovative design in the automotive sector.