British sports car maker Lotus invaded the BBC’s headquarters for the global debut of its new all-electric Eletre “hyper SUV.”
The eagerly anticipated Eletre doesn’t disappoint, living up to the Lotus legacy of being fast. The new ute races 0 to 62 mph in less than three seconds, and it also charges fast, adding 248 miles of range in just 20 minutes.
However, the times are changing and Lotus is looking to show it can change with them — following the leads of competitors like Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari with sport-utility vehicles and a battery-electric model to boot.
“The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility,” said Matt Windle, Lotus Cars managing director. “This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business.
“It is a true Lotus, and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV. Alongside the Emira sports car, this is the perfect two-car garage from Lotus.”
Type 132 what are you?
Many expected the new EV to follow a new naming convention, and until just a few days ago, the world thought the Eletre would be eschew the “E” line-up and be called the Type 132. Instead it joined the likes of the most recent additions, the Emira and Evija, with a name starting with the letter “E.”
However, set aside the fact that the new SUV seats five people comfortably while carrying plenty of cargo, it’s still a Lotus at its core.
The Eletre is four-wheel drive with a battery capacity exceeding 100kWh, putting out 600 horsepower. A 350kW charger will deliver 248 miles range in just 20 minutes. Officials offered up a range of as much as 373 miles using Europe’s generous WLTP measurements. U.S. testing would put range probably closer to 320 miles. It also comes with the ability as standard to accept 22kW AC charging which, where available, reduces the time plugged in, the company noted.
Not only is it fast, it’s designed with a skateboard architecture, which keeps the batteries and motors lower to the ground, thus lowing the vehicle’s center of gravity. This design improves ride and handling, especially combined with its use of aluminum and high tensile steel to improve overall structural rigidity.
