Lotus is redefining its electrification strategy by introducing “hyper hybrid” versions of its Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan. Scheduled for release within the next two years, these vehicles promise to blend the efficiency of electric power with the versatility of internal combustion engines.
Dan Balmer, Lotus Europe CEO, explains the shift: “We’re responding to the market. While EVs are the future, some customers still value the flexibility and extended range that hybrids provide.” These upcoming hybrids will utilize Lotus’s advanced EPA platform, originally designed for EVs, to seamlessly integrate both electric motors and a combustion engine.
With a cutting-edge 900V electrical architecture, Lotus’s hyper hybrids are expected to offer a combined range of over 680 miles, thanks to a combination of rapid charging and fuel efficiency. Leveraging Geely’s innovative hybrid technology, the vehicles will optimize performance by ensuring the combustion engine operates at peak efficiency.
This strategic pivot also extends the lifecycle of the popular Lotus Emira sports car, which will continue production into the 2030s. Initially powered by a V6, future models will adopt a Mercedes-AMG turbocharged four-cylinder engine, maintaining the legacy of lightweight, driver-focused performance.
Looking ahead, Lotus envisions a lineup that includes new sports cars bridging the gap between the Emira and the all-electric Evija hypercar. While details remain speculative, this move aligns with Lotus’s commitment to balancing heritage with cutting-edge innovation.