Tag Archives: Lotus

News

89 Miles Of Range In Five Minutes: The Lotus DC Charger Is Here To Take On Tesla’s Supercharger

In November, Lotus introduced the model’s plans to roll out a line of electric vehicle charging infrastructure designed to amplify availability and time spent on the street. Founded in 1948, Lotus started with a mission of fostering engineering improvements on and off-track. The automaker stayed true to its founding imaginative and prescient whereas adapting to the trendy period of EVs. In 2022, Lotus took the cover off of the Eletre Hyper-SUV with a 2024 model set to launch this upcoming 12 months.

Lotus also launched the Emeya hyper-GT, a second electrical automobile, in 2023. The British model’s first electrical automobile set the bar excessive for any EV that got here subsequent. A most of 372 miles of vary and a high velocity of 161 MPH with a 0-60 MPH acceleration fee of two.95 seconds set the Lotus up for a status as an all-electric automobile with “racecar DNA.”

To pair with Lotus’ objective to be an “all-electric global luxury technology brand” by 2028, the automaker will launch a sequence of charging options to ease potential electrical automobile patrons’ considerations and speed up the worldwide switch from gas-powered to renewable energy-powered vehicles. Here is all the things Lotus has unveiled to date.

Nio Battery Swap render

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In order to provide the latest and correct data potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Lotus, Reuters, and S&P Global.

Lotus Debuts Three Charging Options

Lotus’ new chargers embody a variety of charging solutions to enhance the mundane task of sitting and waiting for your car to get up to charge. The line features a speedy 450 kW DC charger, an influence cupboard, and a unit for a bunch of charging capabilities with house for as much as 4 electrical autos at one time.

Special options embody:

  • 450-480 kW of energy
  • 600 amp capabilities
  • Space and expertise for as much as 4 autos
  • 5 to twenty minute charging occasions

Liquid-Cooled All-in-One DC Charger

The all-in-one charger options “ultra-fast” charging with a capability of 450 kW. In comparability, current DC fast chargers max out at an influence of 350 kW. Lotus’ debut electrical automobile would get an extra 88.5 miles of vary in simply 5 minutes and rival Tesla’s quick charger at present in the marketplace. According to Lotus, a automobile plugged into the facility supply can attain an 80 p.c cost from 10 p.c in as little as 20 minutes.

Liquid-Cooled Power Cabinet

As for the facility cupboard, the brand new expertise is designed particularly for areas in want of surplus vitality effectively and successfully. High-energy areas embody relaxation stops alongside highways and interstates. The cupboard is anticipated to succeed in as much as 480 kW, says Lotus.

Liquid-Cooled Charging Unit

The ultimate charging element in Lotus’ line of charging infrastructure is the charging unit. The compound contains what Lotus calls a “charging terminal” that amplifies energy and effectivity when paired with the facility cupboard. The two collectively promise to cost as much as 4 vehicles directly — both for a big household, a pleasant EV gathering, or a roadside group top-off. According to Lotus, the unit has a max output of 600 amps.

How Lotus Stacks Up Against The Others

Tesla S3XY Range at Tesla Superchargers
Tesla

In comparability, Tesla’s supercharger charges up to 200 miles in 15 minutes and has an expansive community of over 50,000 charging stations globally. The most charging fee, nonetheless, is vastly decrease in energy in comparison with Lotus’ promised 450-480 kW. The Tesla charger gives solely 250 kW, in line with the tech and auto firm’s website.

Lotus’ largest competitor would not appear to be Tesla, however moderately the ABB Terra 360. While the charger guarantees so as to add 60 miles in lower than three minutes, it nonetheless falls behind Lotus with a 360 kW providing.

Charger

Lotus

ABB Terra 360

Tesla Supercharger

Maximum Charging Rate

450-480 kW

360 kW

250 kW

0-80 p.c*

20 minutes

quarter-hour

quarter-hour

(Data sourced from respective corporations)

*Lotus autos have larger battery packs than most Tesla fashions, and subsequently it takes longer to succeed in an 80 p.c cost

2022 Audi e-Tron GT and the 2022 Audi RS e-Tron GT

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Expect Widespread Availability In 2024

Lotus Emeya Exterior
Lotus

The historic automotive model has created autos which have pushed to each nook of the earth — from the ocean flooring within the 1977 James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me” to crossing the end line first in 79 Grands Prix across the globe. In the same vein, Lotus goals to begin within the Middle East and Europe and develop its charging infrastructure worldwide.

What China’s Charging Test Run Tells Us

The items and two different choices are already obtainable in China and being examined throughout the nation earlier than being distributed elsewhere. As of November, China present leads in constant international EV gross sales with a report variety of electrical autos offered even within the face of decreasing subsidies. According to Reuters, China’s electric vehicle sales increased by 29 percent compared to last year.

“Over the past six years, Lotus has been investing in the technology and infrastructure to accelerate the transition to electrification,” Mike Johnstone, the Lotus Group’s chief business officer, stated in a press release. “We want to make it easier than ever to own an electric vehicle and with our latest offerings, Lotus is able to provide customers with the confidence to access easy, fast, efficient charging.”

The Charging Infrastructure Will Be Available in Europe And The Middle East In Q2 Of 2024

Lotus Flash Charge Unit
Lotus

Lotus’ plans to develop embody spreading electrical automobile charging infrastructure to varied European nations and international locations within the Middle East in 2024. Reuters reported that Europe was simply behind China in a yearly enhance in electrical automobile gross sales. The European market’s EV gross sales had been boosted by 26-percent within the final 12 months with large will increase in particular international locations, like Germany.

“As more governments are increasing investment into electrification in their journey to net-zero, the demand for a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure has never been higher than before,” Alan Wang, Lotus Technology’s vice-president and Lotus Flash Charge’s CEO, stated.

Where The U.S. Falls In Lotus’ Plans

Lotus has but to announce plans for American enlargement. However, recent roll backs on electric vehicle tax incentives in the U.S. might put American patrons and worldwide EV gross sales in danger. The Biden administration has diminished the quantity of Chinese automotive imports coming in that qualify for electrical automobile subsidies and seeks to prioritize American-made electric vehicles.

The solely concern the infrastructure faces is probably being too fast for most electric vehicles currently on the market, which might prevent its widespread adoption in Europe and the States.

White Hyundai Ioniq 5

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How Lotus Is Spearheading A Need For Global EV Charging Infrastructure

2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland
Tesla

With an modern method to engineering, Lotus is constant its legacy of making standard-setting autos for the world of fresh vitality. Increasing the manufacturing of electrical autos this previous 12 months, the automotive model is ready to have a record-breaking 2023 all whereas trying to satisfy shopper calls for.

Meeting Consumer Demand

According to S&P Global, charging concerns rank second general amongst electrical automobile clients. Worries embody whether or not charging infrastructure is widespread and the way lengthy it takes. Around 46 p.c of survey individuals cited prolonged charging occasions as a serious disadvantage and 44 p.c expressed considerations over finding a charging station as soon as on the street. In a examine Lotus cited, around 80 percent of the public viewed a lack of charging infrastructure as a serious deterrent. Lotus goals to handle these considerations head on.

What Drove Lotus To Invest In Charging Tech

Lotus insists that the rationale for making a line of electrical automobile infrastructure stems from an enormous worldwide demand for consistent access to charging materials and clear vitality sources. “Lotus has developed best-in-class fast charging solutions to deliver a quick and reliable charge experience to meet customer needs,” Wang stated. As the brand new 12 months approaches, you may anticipate a widespread distribution of Lotus’ new charging applied sciences.

Motorsport

This Lotus EV Charger Adds 89 Miles Of Range In Five Minutes

Lotus is bidding farewell to internal combustion engines with the Emira sports car being the last ICE model from Norfolk. The Geely-owned brand has committed to go all-electric by 2028, starting with the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan. A smaller crossover and a zero-emission sports car are also in the plans. To support its growing EV portfolio, the British brand is introducing multiple charging solutions.

Addressing charging anxiety, Lotus has developed a liquid-cooled DC charger capable of delivering 450 kilowatts of power. Charging the Eletre R for just five minutes will provide over 88 miles of range. For comparison, Tesla’s Supercharger V3 replenishes the battery for 75 miles of range in the same time while a Hyundai Ioniq 5 gives you 62 miles.

… Lotus Flash Charger all-in-one, liquid-cooled DC charger

The liquid-cooled DC charger allows the Eletre R to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 20 minutes at 450 kW. At 350 kW, it can extend the range by 74 miles in five minutes. This robust charger is complemented by a power cabinet, also liquid-cooled, designed for rest areas along highways. Furthermore, Lotus has produced a charging unit capable of supporting up to four EVs simultaneously.

These high-power charging solutions are already operational in China and will be rolled out in Europe and the Middle East in the second quarter of 2024. Additional countries outside of these regions will be added later.

… Lotus Flash Charge liquid-cooled charging unit

Lotus is part of the Geely empire, which also includes Polestar under the same corporate umbrella. Polestar is cooperating with StoreDot to develop a faster charging solution that would add 100 miles of range in five minutes, known as extreme fast charging (XFC). The technology is currently undergoing testing, with engineers claiming it won’t cause battery degradation.

Featured

Lotus Makes Its India Debut With The Eletre Electric SUV


The British automaker has opened its first Indian outlet in New Delhi

Lotus Eletre Electric SUV

  • The Lotus Eletre SUV comes with a dynamic front grille and matrix LED headlights upfront.
  • Inside, it features a large 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display for its simple cabin design.
  • The Eletre SUV offers 3 different powertrain options, all equipped with a 112 kWh battery pack.
  • Depending on the powertrain chosen, the Lotus Eletre provides a range of up to 600 km or over 900 PS of performance.

Lotus, the British car manufacturer, has officially made its entrance into the Indian automotive scene with the Lotus Eletre electric SUV. It will be available in three variants and prices start at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom, pan India). The British marque has opened its first outlet in New Delhi. The full price list is detailed as follows:

Variant Ex-showroom Price
Eletre Rs 2.55 crore
Eletre S Rs 2.75 crore
Eletre R Rs 2.99 crore

The Lotus Eletre made its India-debut in the top-spec R variant.

Aggressive Looks

Lotus Eletre SUV front

The Eletre electric SUV boasts a highly aggressive stance and a sleek silhouette. At the front, it features L-shaped matrix LED headlights complemented by an active grille and big air dam. On the sides, it has stylish 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (optional 20-inch and 23-inch alloy wheels available), and the overall profile of the SUV appears to draw parallels with other flagship models in the high-performance SUV space like the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue.

Lotus Eletre SUV Rear

At the rear, the sloping roofline seamlessly transitions into the tailgate, complemented by a big active rear spoiler. The SUV features connected LED taillamps, accentuated by a prominent blacked-out rear bumper, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.

Also Check Out: New Kia Carnival Interior Revealed Ahead Of Expected India Launch In 2024

Sporty, Plush Interiors

Lotus Eletre SUV Cabin

From the inside, the Lotus Eletre SUV features an all-black interior theme with black seat upholstery. The cabin’s main highlight is its 15.1-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, which controls all functionalities of the car. Additionally, slim driver’s and co-driver’s displays are integrated into the dashboard. For the rear passenger, a separate infotainment display is also available.

Lotus Eletre SUV Cabin

Other features on board include a standard 15-speaker KEF sound system with a 1,380 W output. However, the top-spec version of the SUV is equipped with a 2,160 W, 23-speaker setup offering 3D surround sound. The Eletre is also equipped with Lidar sensors and comes with autonomous driving technology. 

Lotus also offers the Eletre with two advanced driver assistance system packs: the parking pack and highway assist pack. Meanwhile, the Eletre R also offers a Lotus Dynamic Handling pack, carbon fibre pack, gloss black wheels wrapped in high-performance tyres and stainless steel pedals.

Powertrain Check

The Lotus Eletre electric SUV gets 3 powertrain options, all of them utilising a 112 kWh battery pack. The specifications have been detailed below.

  Lotus Eletre Lotus Eletre S Lotus Eletre R
Power (PS) 611 PS 611 PS 918 PS
Torque (Nm) 710 Nm 710 Nm 985 Nm
Battery Capacity 112 kWh 112 kWh 112 kWh
WLTP-claimed Range 600 km 600 km 490 km
0-100 kmph 4.5 seconds 4.5 seconds 2.95 seconds
Top Speed 258 kmph 258 kmph 265 kmph

Rivals

Lotus Eletre SUV

In India, the Lotus Eletre Electric SUV can be regarded as a premium alternative to the Jaguar I-Pace and BMW iX, or an electric alternative to the Lamborghini Urus S.

The British marquee will also be bringing its mid-engine sports car to India, the Lotus Emira, sometime in 2024.

Read More on : Eletre Automatic

News

Exclusive: What Pure Engineering Looks Like At Lotus Advanced Performance

Summary

  • Lotus Advanced Performance is responsible for projects like the Evija and Type 66.
  • The Evija is a 2,000 horsepower supercar with advanced technology and a minimalist interior.
  • The Type 66 is a bespoke race car based on a never-produced concept from 1970.

In Los Angeles, we had the opportunity to see the Evija and the Type 66 at Galpin Motors, one of Lotus’s premier dealerships. We spoke with Simon Lane, the director of Lotus Advanced Performance, who walked us through both vehicles.

The Evija and the Type 66 are both unique and targeted at different customers. The Evija represents the future of Lotus, while the Type 66 pays homage to Lotus’s racing heritage.

Information provided by Lotus, and access to vehicles provided by Galpin Lotus in Los Angeles, California.

Lotus Has Multiple Engineering And Design Divisions

2024 green Lotus Emira
Garret Donahue

Lotus has multiple divisions, including Lotus Advanced Performance, Lotus Engineering, and Lotus Design. Lotus Advanced Performance is responsible for bringing cutting-edge projects like the Evija and Type 66 to life. Lotus Engineering focuses on engineering consulting, while Lotus Design handles the design aspects.

In addition to these divisions, Lotus also operates Lotus Tech, formerly known as the Geely Design Studio, which is based in China and focuses on the brand’s entry into the electric lifestyle.

Lotus Advanced Performance Director Simon Lane On The 2,000 Horsepower Evija

The Evija is an ultra-powerful supercar with 2,000 horsepower generated by four electric motors. It features advanced technology and a torque vectoring system for precise power deployment. Simon Lane emphasizes that despite its technological advancements, the Evija must retain the signature Lotus feel. The car is designed to be light and agile while delivering exceptional performance.

Simon describes the various features of the Evija, such as the extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction, the minimalist and open interior design, and the aerodynamic elements like the rear diffuser. The car also includes unique details like an F1-like steering wheel and innovative aero management and cooling systems.

Lotus Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary With The Type 66

Lotus 75th Anniversary graphic
Lotus

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Lotus created the Type 66, a bespoke race car based on a concept from 1970 that was never produced. Working closely with Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman, Simon Lane brought the Type 66 to life. The car stays true to the original design and utilizes modern innovations to make it a game-changing racer. Only 10 examples of the Type 66 will be produced, each representing one of the 10 races the car was intended to compete in during the 1970 racing season.

News

Alfa Romeo Plans to Introduce an Electric SUV to Compete with the BMW iX

Alfa Romeo has announced plans to launch a large electric SUV in 2027 that will rival the BMW iX, the Lotus Eletre, the next-generation Porsche Cayenne, and a new model from Alpine.

The SUV will belong to the E-segment and will come after the replacement for the Stelvio SUV, according to Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.

Imparato stated that the new SUV will be taller than Alfa’s previous E-segment offering, the 166 saloon, but lower than traditional SUVs in order to enhance aerodynamics and provide an engaging driving experience.

The vehicle will be built on the same EV-only STLA Large platform as the next Stelvio and the replacement for the Giulia saloon. This platform has been specifically designed for the premium brands under Stellantis, including Alfa Romeo, DS, Lancia, and Maserati.

The SUV will feature an 800V electrical architecture that enables ultra-rapid charging. It will have a long range of up to 500 miles, with the ability to recharge a significant portion of that range in less than 30 minutes using powerful public chargers.

While the SUV will be sold in Europe, the primary markets for Alfa Romeo will be the US and China, said Imparato. He explained that if the company only focused on Western Europe, the volumes would be too small and uncertain due to the evolving segment.

Using the STLA Large platform will also give Alfa Romeo the option to equip the SUV with up to three motors. This layout has already been associated with a high-performance Quadrifoglio version of the forthcoming electric Giulia, which is expected to have over 1000 horsepower.

The SUV will also come with advanced digital functionality that rivals Tesla, thanks to Stellantis’s new STLA Brain electronic architecture. It will offer features such as hands-free driving and an improved infotainment interface compared to current Alfa models.

However, Alfa Romeo has emphasized that its future cars will prioritize handling and driving experience over flashy technology. Design chief Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos stated that Alfa Romeo is known for producing driver’s cars and will focus on maintaining a rear-wheel-drive visual aesthetic in its larger vehicles.

News

New Lotus Emeya could become the most powerful estate car in the world

The Lotus Emeya is equipped with a 102kWh battery pack, but the exact range has not been revealed yet. Lotus claims that it is similar to the range offered by the Eletre, which can achieve 373 miles in the entry-level and S models and 304 miles in the high-power R models.

When it comes to charging, the Emeya can charge at rates of up to 350kW. This means that it can get a range boost of 93 miles in just five minutes when using the fastest chargers. Lotus states that refilling from 10% to 80% can take as little as 18 minutes.

However, the Emeya is not just about power. It also features a standard air suspension system that scans the road ahead 1000 times per second. This system responds to the road conditions by adjusting the dampers accordingly, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The performance saloon also boasts active aerodynamic elements, such as the grille, rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler that is 100mm wider than that of the Eletre. This spoiler extends at high speeds to improve stability.

The use of active aerodynamics is seen as an opportunity by Lotus, as it allows them to create a high-performance car that still looks elegant. According to Ben Payne, the vice president of Lotus design, active aerodynamics help achieve a cleaner and more coherent design.

2024 Lotus Emeya in yellow with driving rear spoiler raised

News

Autocar magazine 13 September: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we discover the successor to the Lotus Carlton, test drive the new Tesla Model 3, and provide insights into becoming a motoring journalist.

News

Lotus continues its reinvention by introducing the Emeya, an electric sports saloon with 905bhp designed to compete with the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air.

Peugeot unveils the new e-3008, a key player in the revolutionary Stellantis architecture that will underpin millions of cars each year.

Mini is set to release the next-generation Cooper hatch as part of their simplified lineup during a major overhaul of their offerings.

We also have news on Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Hilux with a range of 360 miles and Mercedes’ new Tesla Model 3 competitor.

Reviews

The Toyota CH-R, a huge success in Europe, gets an update that we test in Belgium to see its improvements.

Mercedes introduces the CLE Coupe as a stylish replacement for the C-Class and E-Class coupes, and we evaluate if it truly brings together the best of both worlds.

We examine the updated Tesla Model 3 to determine if it lives up to its predecessor’s success by offering increased efficiency and refinement.

Additionally, we put the new Mercedes GLC through its paces to assess its performance after undergoing enhancements.

Features

The Munich motor show makes a comeback this year with a revamped format and impressive debuts. We share our favorite cars and captivating interviews from the event.

If you aspire to be a motoring journalist, our experienced writer Andrew Frankel provides valuable advice on how to pursue this career.

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Opinion

Matt Prior addresses his pet peeve and offers insights on why it can be so frustrating. He also delves into the origin of the term ‘supercar’ and reflects on the evolving consumer-friendliness of parking and car hire services.

Motorsport

Lotus Emeya Electric Sedan Debuts: 905 Horsepower, Active Aerodynamics

Lotus has unveiled its new flagship electric sedan, the Emeya, at an event in New York City. The Emeya, previously known as the Type 133, is poised to rival the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan Turbo. It boasts advanced technology and is Lotus’ first four-door sedan since the Opel Omega-based Carlton in the 1990s.

A key focus of the Emeya is its aerodynamics. The sedan features an active grille, which was first seen on the Eletre SUV, to improve efficiency when closed and cool the battery and brakes when open. It also includes an active front spoiler, an active diffuser inspired by motorsport, and an active rear spoiler for optimal downforce during canyon carving and track driving. The active rear spoiler is wider than the one on the Eletre, generating a net downforce of 474 pounds at an undisclosed speed.

Lotus Emeya (2024)
Lotus Emeya (2024)
Lotus Emeya (2024)

The Emeya prioritizes sustainable materials in its interior design. Lotus is the first carmaker to use a new type of yarn derived from cotton waste in the fashion and clothing industries. This choice not only creates a form of sustainable luxury but also reduces weight compared to traditional leather upholstery.

Lotus also employs processes like physical vapor deposition (PVD) for metallic finishes on certain cabin surfaces. Additionally, the interior features Alcantara, ultra-fabric polyurethane, and Nappa leather in various areas.

Furthermore, the Emeya’s interior offers more than just sustainable materials. It includes a KEF 3D surround sound system with noise cancellation technology. Vibration sensors on the exterior detect tire and suspension movement, and algorithms generate “anti-phasing acoustic signals” through the speakers to minimize interference. The driver benefits from a 55-inch augmented reality head-up display, which provides quick access to essential information. The vehicle also incorporates digital mirrors and LiDar modules, similar to the Eletre.


Motorsport

Lotus Emeya Teaser Previews EV’s Active Aero Ahead Of September 7 Debut

The Lotus electric sedan, previously known as the Type 133, has been given an official name: the Emeya. The unveiling of this electric vehicle will take place on September 7. This model will be Lotus’ third EV, following the Evija supercar and Eletre SUV.

A teaser video has been released, giving us a glimpse of the sedan’s front and rear lighting designs. The Emeya boasts striking LED daytime running lights at the front and a slim, wide light bar that connects the taillights at the back, cleverly integrated into the fascia.


News

Lotus Type 66: Reviving a Forgotten Racer with 830bhp V8

The Lotus Type 66 is the first of a series of exclusive and historically accurate creations based on designs that were never brought to life.

Last year, Autocar reported that the newly established Lotus Advanced Performance division aims to turn these unrealized concepts into reality.

By using modern materials, techniques, and components, Lotus will build limited numbers of these models, based on designs and plans from their archives, although they will come with a hefty price tag.

The Type 66, being the first to be officially unveiled, sets the precedent for how Lotus will approach the creation of these retro-modern vehicles.

The original Type 66 was initially developed by Lotus founder Colin Chapman with the intention of entering it into the Can-Am racing series in 1970.

However, because of Chapman’s focus on Formula 1, the project never went beyond technical drawings and scale models made by Geoff Ferris, who later designed race cars for Brabham and Penske.

If the car had made it onto the track, it would have likely been driven by two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, according to Clive Chapman, the son of Colin and managing director of Classic Team Lotus.

He also mentioned that the Type 66 would have shared its design philosophy with the Type 72 F1 car, utilizing side-mounted radiators for improved aerodynamics.

Lotus Type 66 front quarter static

The race car was digitally recreated using 1:4 and 1:10-scale drawings provided by Chapman and modified to meet modern safety standards.

Changes were made to accommodate current regulations, such as onboarding the fuel cell and adding a fixed rollover bar.

Lotus has also made adjustments to improve drivability, including a sequential gearbox with a multi-plate clutch, an anti-stall system, and a reverse gear. Additional features include power steering and a race-honed anti-lock braking system (ABS).