Callum, the design firm founded in 2019 by Jaguar’s former Director of Design, Ian Callum, turned some heads last month when it unveiled the designs of the all-electric Skye, which it calls a multi-terrain sports vehicle. Similar in many ways to the Prodrive BRX T1, which Callum designed for competition in the 2021 Dakar Rally, the Skye is the company’s first Callum-branded vehicle to be fully conceived, designed, and engineered in-house.

“At four meters long, the Callum Skye is dramatically proportioned with a concise exterior aesthetic driven by its capabilities,” said Ian Callum, Head of Design at Callum. “It has been designed to exceed expectations: minimal mass, maximum capability—exceptionally usable and an absolute joy to drive.”

In the limited specifications in the announcement, Callum said the Skye features a rugged spaceframe chassis and a relatively small 2+2 enclosed cabin. Overall vehicle length is 159.3 in (4047 mm), its width is just over 74.8 in (at 1900 mm), and its trail-capable suspension provides 13.7 in (348 mm) of ground clearance with 21.7 in (551 mm) of travel.

“The exterior features a striking accent loop, intersected by a strong horizontal structure, flanked by organic forms front and rear,” Callum continued. “At the heart of its story is its performance, style, and capability, and a design integral to the engineering elements. For example, the lower sections of the doors have beautifully integrated glass, offering outstanding visibility in all conditions.”

Callum promises performance similar to a sportscar. A weight of just 1150 kg (2535 lb) results in 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration in under 4 s. The vehicle is powered by a 42-kW·h battery with an anticipated range of 170 mi (274 km). Callum says it will also offer customers the option to specify an ultra-fast charging battery that can go from empty to fully charged in under 10 min.

“We set an uncompromisingly high bar with our functional targets for the Callum Skye,” said Adam Donfrancesco, Head of Engineering at Callum. “Throughout the development journey, we have held steadfast to the principals of simplicity and integrity, ensuring the Callum Skye conquers the rigorous demands of a variety of off-road terrains, while still delivering the ride comfort and handling that transforms winding country roads into captivating experiences for both the driver and passengers.”

The Callum Skye’s price is reported to be around $126,300 (£100,000). The company announced no specific dates regarding the start of production nor any plans for U.S. availability.

More detailed specs are promised in the Spring, but a concept car revealed in June may provide a glimpse of the Skye’s battery technology. Working with Nyobolt on a design by Julian Thomson, Callum is developing and executing an EV featuring Nyobolt’s ultra-fast-charging battery technology.

“Nyobolt’s pioneering battery technology has provided us with a unique and inspiring opportunity to support in the design and execution of a vehicle set to mark the way forward for EV technology,” said David Fairbairn, Managing Director at Callum, in June.

Nyobolt wanted to demonstrate its battery technology in a nimble, lightweight sportscar. The starting point for Thomson, when he was approached in 2021 working as a freelance designer before being appointed Design Director at GM Advanced Design Europe, was the Lotus Elise. Having conceived that car in early 1994, has always wanted to evolve and modernize it. The result is the Nyobolt EV.

Aimed at weighing close to just a tonne, the application of Nyobolt’s technology translated into a 35-kW·h battery pack that is capable of fully charging in just 6 min with existing infrastructure and delivering a range of up to 250 km (155 mi). Ready to deploy and scheduled for production in early 2024, the company said its technology unlocks the “holy grail” with a proven 10C charge lithium-ion technology capable of immediate application and rapid scale-up. The breakthrough is said to translate to a nimbler, more efficient EV with lower up-front costs, running costs, and use of scarce raw materials.

“Unlocking the challenges faced by electric vehicle designers has been key to the development of our breakthrough fast-charging batteries,” said Sai Shivareddy, CEO at Nyobolt. “Previously, enabling a lightweight fast-charging vehicle was not possible without compromising its lifetime, and so people have been relying on costly and large battery packs in the vehicle. With our unique technology, we have achieved a six-minute charge car, and developed smaller battery packs that can deliver more power and charge in less time.”

Working with Nyobolt, Callum’s engineering department is responsible for bringing the design to life, developing the new carbon-fiber bodywork, and integrating the battery pack, high-voltage powertrain, cooling system, and electrical harness for the first engineering prototype.

“Our partnership with Callum shows how adoption of system-level technology innovations can transform the future of electric vehicles and increase the accessibility of EVs, including to the 40% of UK households who can’t charge their vehicle at home overnight,” concluded Shivareddy.

 

Kevin Jost contributed to this article.