Lotus Eletre scheduled to be launched in Korea in the second half of 2024

The electric hyper-SUV Eletre, which is expected to be launched in Korea, will play a role in transforming Lotus into a global electric vehicle brand and is the first pure electric SUV model to be released in the future. It represents the evolution of a completely new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers based on Lotus DNA and principles cultivated over more than 70 years of sports car design and engineering.

Lotus’ expertise in ride comfort, handling, steering and optimized aerodynamics is well known. Lotus says the Eletre takes the heart and soul of its latest sports car, the Emira, and the groundbreaking aero performance of the hypercar Evija, and reinterprets it into a hyper-SUV.

The Eletre is built on Lotus’ all-new EPA (Electric Premium Architecture). This platform becomes the basis for Lotus’ new premium lifestyle performance electric vehicle. The advantage of the low-to-the-ground ‘skateboard’ design is that it can easily accommodate and adjust the layout of components such as various battery sizes and motors. It also includes end-to-end autonomous driving technology, and updates can be added as needed.

The Eletre is also a model that holds many ‘firsts’ for Lotus, including the first five-door car produced by Lotus, the first non-sports car model, the first lifestyle EV, and the most ‘connected’ Lotus.

The powertrain is equipped with a battery capacity of over 100 kWh and an electric motor of 600 horsepower and drives on four wheels (4WD). The goal is 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 3.0 seconds and a maximum speed of over 260 km/h. Using a 350kW charger provides a driving range of 400km in just 20 minutes. The maximum driving distance (based on WLTP) is 600km. It is also equipped with a 22kW AC charging function as standard equipment.

Eletre’s technology includes intelligent driving technologies such as the advanced active aerodynamic package installed in all production models and the world’s first deployable LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system.

Matt Windle, managing director at Lotus, explains Eletre as follows:

“The Eletre is a bold and innovative new car that delivers on our promise to develop Lotus into an entirely new automotive segment, expanding its appeal and accessibility in global markets. Historically, it has transformed our business. Shiki will be electric. This product is a true Lotus and we are confident that it will offer a distinct alternative to the incumbents in the performance car segment. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the practicality of an SUV. The Emira sports car), it is the perfect model to enter the Lotus Garage.”

Lotus Group CEO Feng Qingfeng added:

“The Eletre is a new character from the iconic high-performance car brand. It will appeal to independent and adventurous driving enthusiasts – those who love the thrill of driving. It has a unique combination of beautiful design, outstanding dynamic performance and everyday handling. “With this combination, it is the optimal car for drivers who want to go beyond the conventional framework.”

“While international critical acclaim for the Emira has reaffirmed Lotus’ status as a respected sports car marque, the Eletre will make Lotus accessible to a whole new audience of customers who, from a lifestyle perspective, demand something more practical than traditional sports cars. “It’s an attractive alternative for those who do it. And Lotus is just the beginning. There’s a lot more to show in the future.”

Eletre is created in collaboration with teams in China, Sweden and Germany. The overall exterior and interior design is led by a design team based at the Lotus Tech Creative Center (LTCC) in Warwickshire, England. It will be produced in a newly built factory in Wuhan, China, and is scheduled to be released domestically in the second half of 2024. As the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is considered a competing model, the price range is expected to be in the mid-100 million range.