Last updated on April 7th, 2022 at 11:15 am
Lotus has built an electric SUV – the all-new Lotus Eletre.
It is the first of three Lotus lifestyle EVs to be launched over the next four years.
The Eletre takes the “heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the revolutionary aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar, and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV,” said Lotus.
The model comes with a cab-forward stance, long wheelbase, and short overhangs.
A signature element of the design is its ‘porosity’ – the aerodynamic principle of air flowing through the car as well as under, over and around it. In the case of the Eletre, air is channelled under the leading edge of the car, emerging through two exit vents in the bonnet above. This improves vehicle range, speed, and performance as there is less resistance in cutting through the air.
It is a four-wheel-drive, has a battery capacity of over 100kWh and has 600hp.
A 350kW charger delivers a range of up to 400km (248 miles) in 20 minutes. But the car’s target maximum WLTP range is around 600km (373 miles).
In terms of speed, the Eletre can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than three seconds.
One unique feature not seen before in the automotive world goes on show when a driver presses the button on the key or smartphone app to open the door.
This activates a “moment of theatre” where the car’s exterior lights run through a short sequence, the active front grille “breathes”, and the illuminated flush door handles pop open.
“This walk-up sequence is a ‘peacock moment’ – a little ‘showing-off’ that highlights the Eletre’s engaging personality,” said Ben Payne, Head of Studio at LTCC.
“It’s a visual expression of a car coming to life, and a metaphor for the reinvention of the Lotus business and brand which begins with the Eletre.”
Other tech includes intelligent driving software such as the world’s first deployable Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system in a production car.
The Eletre is built on the company’s Electric Premium Architecture (EPA), a low-to-the-ground design for better handling. This platform can also easily adapt to accommodate C+ and E+ vehicle class battery sizes, motors, and component layouts, making it highly versatile.
Lotus Cars’ managing director Matt Windle said: “The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility.
“This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business. It is a true Lotus, and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players.”
Customers can order a Lotus Eletre now, with first deliveries starting in China, the UK and Europe in 2023.