Photo: Elemental
British sports car maker Elemental debuted their RP1 in 2016 to generally positive reviews and positioned it as a track-focused alternative to the Ariel Atom and the BAC Mono, but now the boutique carmaker says they have plans to roll out an EV version.
The RP1 featured lightweight, a peak output of 320 hp, and in their latest RP1R release, a motor capable of generating 370hp via a 2.3-liter, turbocharged inline-4 derived from the Mustang EcoBoost mill.
Elemental says that - at normal speeds, no one will ever travel in the car - the EV version of the RP1 will feature a range of 180 miles. That doesn’t seem to present a problem, as the EV RP1 should be capable of completing a number of circuits of most tracks without recharging.
Elemental says they’re engaged with rival company Apex to develop the EV version of the RP1. Apex sells their own version of the RP1 in the form of the AP-0, and they say the AP-0 will hit the market in 2022.
The company says the EV AP1 will build on the strengths of ultra-lightweight RP1 architecture and chassis dynamics, and that the new cars will also integrate the downforce generating aerodynamics of the current petrol version.
The plan is for the EV variant to include a 560bhp (400kW) electrical powertrain and a 40kWh Li-Ion battery with 800V electrical architecture.
According to Elemental and Apex, this RP1 EV will cover 0-60 in 2.5s and have “the power and performance to complete 20 laps of the Silverstone GP circuit at full race pace” before needing a charge. They add that this 800v electrical architecture means ultra-fast charging is possible and 80% charging can be accomplished in just under an hour.
According to the Technical Director of Elemental, John Begley, achieving lightweight is fundamental for a high-performance electric sports car.
“By optimizing the battery and powertrain installation for weight instead of chasing headline output figures, we can maintain the low vehicle mass, aero performance and chassis dynamics of the original Rp1 to create a lightweight, agile and highly usable EV sports car,” Begley says.
Elemental says that - at normal speeds, no one will ever travel in the car - the EV version of the RP1 will feature a range of 180 miles. That doesn’t seem to present a problem, as the EV RP1 should be capable of completing a number of circuits of most tracks without recharging.
Elemental says they’re engaged with rival company Apex to develop the EV version of the RP1. Apex sells their own version of the RP1 in the form of the AP-0, and they say the AP-0 will hit the market in 2022.
The company says the EV AP1 will build on the strengths of ultra-lightweight RP1 architecture and chassis dynamics, and that the new cars will also integrate the downforce generating aerodynamics of the current petrol version.
The plan is for the EV variant to include a 560bhp (400kW) electrical powertrain and a 40kWh Li-Ion battery with 800V electrical architecture.
According to Elemental and Apex, this RP1 EV will cover 0-60 in 2.5s and have “the power and performance to complete 20 laps of the Silverstone GP circuit at full race pace” before needing a charge. They add that this 800v electrical architecture means ultra-fast charging is possible and 80% charging can be accomplished in just under an hour.
According to the Technical Director of Elemental, John Begley, achieving lightweight is fundamental for a high-performance electric sports car.
“By optimizing the battery and powertrain installation for weight instead of chasing headline output figures, we can maintain the low vehicle mass, aero performance and chassis dynamics of the original Rp1 to create a lightweight, agile and highly usable EV sports car,” Begley says.
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