Unveiled last year as a static show car, the Nyobolt concept is a 470bhp, 1246kg electric reimagining of the S1 Lotus Elise, designed by Julian Thomson, the original creator.

Under its semi-familiar exterior, the Nyobolt EV serves as a test bed for a new generation of batteries, potentially revolutionizing electric vehicle range, charge times, and longevity. Cambridge-based Nyobolt claims its high-density cell technology and battery management software can optimize powertrains for "high-uptime" EVs, which require high power and rapid recharge cycles.

Initial tests with the running prototype this month confirmed that its 35kWh battery can charge from 10-80% using a 350kW charger in just 4 minutes and 37 seconds, which Nyobolt states is "twice the speed of most of the fastest-charging vehicles today."

Nyobolt has also conducted 4000 full fast-charge cycles—equivalent to about 600,000 miles of travel—and asserts that the battery retained more than 80% of its usable capacity. "This is many multiples higher than the warranties of much larger EV batteries on the road today," the company said.

While Nyobolt envisions various applications for this technology beyond cars, showcasing its potential in an Elise-based prototype is intentional. The company highlights that its cell technology minimizes the size and weight of the battery packs, with the concept weighing just 1246kg—barely more than a Renault Clio.

Shane Davies, Nyobolt's director of vehicle battery systems, emphasized the dynamic benefits of lightweight EV powertrains: "We can enable OEMs to bring excitement back into the segment, which is literally weighed down by legacy battery technology."

"Our Nyobolt EV demonstrates the efficiency gains enabled by our fast-charging, longer-life battery technology, allowing capacity to be right-sized while still delivering the required performance."

Nyobolt collaborated with Warwick-based design agency Callum—creator of the small and light Skye EV sports car—to engineer the prototype for low-volume production. It may be offered as a road-going sports car or a dedicated track-day vehicle, although no specific timelines or volume targets have been announced.

The company’s battery production plans are more developed, with low-volume output potentially starting this year and ramping up to 1000 batteries next year. Ultimately, Nyobolt aims to produce two million units annually using its "flexible" manufacturing model.

Nyobolt co-founder and CEO Sai Shivareddy told Autocar that the prototype's unveiling last year "really accelerated our discussions with OEMs, especially regarding how our technology could solve some of the issues hindering EV adoption."

He mentioned that the firm is in talks with eight vehicle manufacturers interested in the technology. Although details of these parties were not disclosed, Shivareddy said: "Our initial focus is on the premium segment, but we see opportunities in the enthusiast and performance sectors."

"We chose a sports car as our first demonstrator because it works well as a track day vehicle, perfectly suited to our technology. Beyond premium passenger cars, we are collaborating with off-highway manufacturers who can't afford to have trucks idle while charging overnight. They need the high uptime and productivity that ultra-fast charging provides. Additionally, we are set to announce applications in robotics that would benefit the manufacturing and supply chain sectors."