An all-electric version of the Elemental RP1 track car is currently under development.
The Elemental RP1 was first unveiled five-and-a-half years ago as the latest entrant in the burgeoning scene of British-built, track-focused sports cars. Standard models are powered by a Ford-sourced 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 345 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Soon, however, customers will be able to enjoy the driving thrills of the RP1 in total silence.
During a recent interview with Piston Heads, the small company confirmed it is working on an all-electric variant based around the car’s existing chassis. The electric RP1 features an 800-volt electrical architecture with a 40 kWh battery pack and an electric motor delivering 570 hp.
Read Also: Elemental RP1 Track Car Updated With Advanced Carbon Tech
Making the electric RP1 all the more impressive is the claim that it will weigh just 875 kg (1,929 lbs). That may be roughly 250 kg (551 lbs) more than the ICE-powered version, but for an EV with a decently-sized battery pack, it is exceptionally light. Lightness isn’t all the RP1 EV has going for it.
Elemental says it will offer up a range of 180 miles and be good for 20 laps of the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. In addition, the battery should need just one hour to be topped up to 80 per cent charge while the car will hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds.
“While many companies are pursuing ever higher capacity bigger, (and heavier) batteries for EVs, achieving light weight is fundamental for a high performance electric sports car,” Elemental technical director John Begley told Piston Heads. “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.”
