Berkshire-based McLaren specialist V Engineering now offers a replacement battery pack for the McLaren P1 that is 23kg lighter than the original – and boosts the hybrid hypercar's electric range.

The P1 launched in 2013 as one of three pioneering hybrid hypercars, alongside the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. More than a decade on, some examples’ batteries are beginning to degrade, affecting the cars’ performance. 

Although manufacturers offer their own upgraded replacement packs – McLaren’s own Gen II offering for the P1 is around 46kg lighter than the Gen I – a cottage industry is emerging in offering wider support for the cars.

V Engineering said its ‘Project Continuum’ battery can store nearly three times as much energy as the original, with a capacity of 12.4kWh compared with 4.7kWh.

This extends the car’s range compared with its original 6-mile capability, though the firm has yet to confirm to what extent. It instead highlighted more consistent track performance: the longer range means the P1 can deploy its electric motor more frequently, and for longer bursts.

Indeed, V Engineering claimed the battery has been engineered to meet the requirements of Formula E – the premier electric racing series globally – and that it brings no penalty to the P1’s performance.

A price has yet to be confirmed but, given the P1’s rarity, is expected to be a significant sum. P1s themselves currently trade for several millions of pounds.

V Engineering said the first battery installations will begin next spring. It forms part of a wider effort from the specialist to “future-proof” the P1, ensuring examples can be driven long into the future.