V Engineering develops high-capacity hybrid battery for McLaren P1

V Engineering, an independent engineering center for McLaren, has announced ‘Project Continuum’, a development program to provide a new high-voltage hybrid battery solution for the McLaren P1. The initiative addresses the degradation of original battery cells manufactured around 2010, which can render the hypercars undriveable if not replaced.

The new plug-and-play battery solution utilizes high-performance 21700 lithium-ion modules engineered to FIA Formula E requirements. This upgrade significantly increases energy storage capacity to 12.4 kWh, compared to the original 4.72 kWh, while reducing the overall weight by approximately 23 kilograms (51 pounds).

Developed in collaboration with engineers from the original P1 program, the new unit features a glycol-based cooling system for improved heat rejection and offers an extended electric-only range. Customer installations are scheduled to begin in spring 2027, with discussions currently underway with owners in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.