Lotus unveiled the Eletre on Tuesday, marking its debut into the SUV category and one of several electric models it plans to launch in the coming years.
Formerly known by its codename Type 132, the Eletre will commence production later this year at a new facility in Wuhan, China, making it the first Lotus model produced outside the UK. However, the production of the company’s traditional sports cars is expected to continue in the UK.
The Eletre is built on a new dedicated EV platform called Electric Premium Architecture (formerly Evolution). Despite Lotus being renowned for its small sports cars, the Eletre is quite large, even by SUV standards, measuring 200.9 inches, longer than a Range Rover.
While Lotus hasn’t disclosed the weight of the Eletre, the press release claims a substantial weight reduction due to extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum, as well as the minimalist design of the dashboard. The automaker is still adhering to founder Colin Chapman’s motto of “simplify and add lightness,” it seems.
The Eletre features a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive propulsion system with power starting at 600 horsepower, according to Lotus. At least one version is expected to achieve 0-60 mph in under three seconds. The top speed is 161 mph.
The electric SUV will have a battery capacity of over 100 kWh, enabling a range of 300 miles, as per Lotus. DC fast charging up to 350 kW will add up to 250 miles of range in 20 minutes, claims the automaker.
The exterior design emphasizes aerodynamics, with air vents on the hood and behind the front wheels, along with active shutters that open only when necessary to direct cooling air to the battery pack, motors, and brakes. Camera modules replace the exterior mirrors but may not be available in all markets due to varying regulations.
Lotus also promises handling worthy of its reputation, thanks to the air suspension with adaptive dampers, active stabilizer bars, brake-based torque vectoring, and four-wheel steering.
Noteworthy technological features include a 15.1-inch touchscreen, an available augmented reality front display, and integrated lidar sensors for planned driver-assist functions extending from the body when in operation.
Deliveries for China and Europe are set to commence in 2023, but Lotus has not confirmed availability or timing for the United States.
Lotus is also in the process of transitioning its sports cars to the electric era, using another new platform called E-Sport Architecture. The limited-production Evija initiated the brand’s electrification shift, with a higher-volume electric sports car scheduled for 2026, along with the release of a four-door coupe and a smaller SUV in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
