The plan to develop a Lotus SUV isn’t new. The brand introduced APX utility vehicle concept in 2006, which meant the Aluminum Performance Crossover. However, the vehicle couldn’t materialize. That is going to change as Lotus is all set to introduce its first electric SUV tomorrow.
Unlike the APX concept, the first road-going car from Lotus is all-electric and the company chose to name it Eletre.
Previously, we heard Lotus might name its electric SUV, the Lambda, but the company followed its habit of choosing names starting with “E”. Not only it will be Lotus’ first SUV and first road-going car, it will also be the first to be produced in China.
The company will manufacture it at a totally new facility in Wuhan built by Lotus’ parent corporation, Geely. Furthermore, it will be the first standard production EV after Evija hypercar, which was limited to only 130 examples.
For the Eletre, Lotus will use a customized electric platform they developed for its new lifestyle cars. Seeing the patent pictures, we have shown here, we can clearly get the interior and exterior styling of the SUV. However, we suggest not making an opinion until we see the official photos. Codenamed the Type 135, the Eletre will probably be around the size of a Porsche Cayenne.
According to the details, we gathered so far about the new Lotus platform, it would spawn vehicles with a wheelbase rating somewhere between 2889 to 3100 millimeters (113.7 to 122 inches). It could be able to accommodate battery packs of up to 120 kWh and 800V fast battery charging capability. We believe the Eletre will come equipped with an all-wheel-drive, dual–motor setup.
Regarding power output, we expect the electric SUV will generate somewhere between 600 to 700 horsepower. It possibly will be the weightiest production Lotus ever. Since the Evija boasts 3,700 pounds (1,680 kilograms), we can say the Eletre could be about twice the weight of Elise sports car.
Lotus have extended electrification plans for the future. We will hopefully see a four-door coupe and a smaller crossover from Lotus by 2025. All will receive electric powertrains, as we say goodbye to the last internal combustion engine-powered Emira. Lotus also has plans to introduce a new sports car created in association with Alpine, but it might take some time to materialize.
The official unveiling will take place tomorrow in London at 19:30 BST.
Source and Images: Motor1