The McLaren P1, which appeared in 2013 as the world’s first plug-in hybrid supercar, is set to receive a new high-voltage battery that increases its capacity to 12.4 kilowatt-hours, compared with 4.72 kilowatt-hours in the original battery. The upgrade comes from independent company V Engineering, which specializes in McLaren vehicle engineering, with the aim of addressing the declining performance of some older batteries and keeping the car capable of delivering its original performance levels.
The original P1 battery was designed to provide electric driving range, while also supporting the hybrid powertrain’s powerful acceleration. However, the first cells used in customer cars date back to 2010, when battery technology was far less advanced than the solutions available today. Over time, the relatively small battery’s ability to store energy and deliver the expected performance has declined.
More Capacity and Less Weight
The new solution is called Project Continuum, and it is a direct replacement that can be installed in place of the original battery without indicating the need for additional modifications to the car. The battery uses high-performance 21700-type lithium-ion cells, increasing capacity to approximately three times that of the original pack.
The upgrade is not limited to increasing stored energy; V Engineering says the new pack is approximately 51 pounds, or nearly 23 kilograms, lighter than the battery used by McLaren. The reduced weight could support the car’s performance, in addition to the direct benefit provided by the greater capacity.
Potential Impact on Electric Driving and Performance
The additional capacity is expected to increase the P1’s electric driving range, which could be particularly useful when driving in cities. However, the car, with a combined output of 903 horsepower, was designed to feel more capable at high speeds and on race tracks.
Under these conditions, the high-voltage battery can assist the hybrid system during hard acceleration. Thus, the upgrade is not intended only to extend electric range, but also to restore part of the function the original battery performed when the car was being pushed to its maximum performance.
Development in Cooperation with the Original Project Engineers
V Engineering said the battery was developed in cooperation with engineers who participated in the original P1 project. The solution was also built around a battery unit designed to meet the requirements of the FIA Formula E championship, in which single-seater electric cars are pushed to their limits throughout the race.
The McLaren P1 belongs to what became known as the “holy trinity” of supercars, alongside the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari. However, the P1 stood out as the first plug-in hybrid supercar; the Porsche 918 Spyder, which also included a plug, had its production model appear a few months after the P1.
Installation Schedule
The company says it is in contact with McLaren P1 owners around the world, and installation of the new batteries for customers is scheduled to begin next spring. The source did not mention a price for the upgrade or provide additional details about the number of cars that can be equipped with it.