Lotus has ultimately debuted the Eletre electric crossover and took a big step towards electrification. As we can expect from the automaker, the EV offers all the elements the brand is famous for (meaning the sporty handling and quick speed), plus the practicality of a crossover.
Performance Figures
Lotus has created the Electric Premium Architecture platform to underpin the EV SUV. The entry-level model will feature four motors (one at each axle) to collectively produce 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts). The 0 to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) would take under 3.0 seconds and the maximum speed is capped at 161 mph (260 kph).
Battery and Range
While we do not know the weight and exact battery capacity of the electric crossover, we can tell the latter will be more than 100 kilowatt-hours. With this power, the Eletre will be able to cover 373 miles (600 kilometers) approximately on the WLTP cycle. The maximum charging capability it could handle is up to 350 kilowatts. On this fast charger, the Lotus EV will be able to juice up to 248 miles (400 kilometers) in 20 minutes.
What would make the drive super comfortable is the air suspension with active ride height adjustment. Furthermore, the EV features rear-axle steering and active anti-roll bars.
Exterior
Speaking of the design, the Eletre takes some of its cues from the Emira. To give it a modern shape, the electric crossover gets split headlights and running lights at the corner of the hood. The leading lamps actually sit lower in the darkened area at the front. The engineers have made the grille with linking triangular elements that open to cool down the motors, battery, and brakes.
Technology Features
Lotus has made sure the Eletre gets all the latest tech features that make it a futuristic EV. The most prominent of these are four deployable lidar sensors – two on the roof, one over the windshield, and one over the back glass. In addition, the EV gets a device on every side of the body close to the front fender. In some countries, the Eletre will employ cameras instead of side mirrors.
The automaker also claims “end-to-end autonomous driving,” with over-the-air updating capability for tech enhancements to the system.
Interior
The interior design is purely revolutionary where the conventional instrument panel is replaced by a thin strip that is just about 1.18 inches (30 millimeters) tall. The same kind of display is also available for the front passenger giving them information about music, close attractions, etc. Just as we see in most EVs, the Lotus EV boasts a 15.1-inch landscape-positioned display allowing the driver to control different functions of the vehicle. Moreover, a head-up display with augmented reality is a standard affair.
Availability
The company plans to start production in Wuhan, China with deliveries intended to initiate anytime next year. It will first hit the showrooms in China, the UK, and Europe before being available to other nations. It is still unclear whether it will be available for the UAE or not.
It looks stunning and we would be happy to receive it here and give you our first impression of this EV SUV.
Source and Images: Motor1