Lotus Cars, known for its iconic sports cars and motorsport heritage, has embarked on an ambitious journey toward an all-electric future. This transition was set in motion in 2021 when the company announced its intent to embrace electric vehicle (EV) technology fully. Since then, Lotus has unveiled its first EV, the Eletre SUV, and now, they’ve taken another electrifying step with the introduction of their second all-electric model, the Lotus Emeya.
The Emeya is no ordinary electric car; it’s a hyper grand tourer, marking a significant departure from Lotus’s traditional two-seater sports cars. This four-door electric powerhouse aims to redefine what Lotus represents in the era of electrification, and it does so with style and substance.
Lotus has blended its rich 75-year history of engineering and design with cutting-edge technology to create the Emeya. The vehicle showcases a striking, aerodynamic design that exudes performance and sophistication. While Lotus hasn’t released the official drag coefficient, it’s evident that the design prioritizes aerodynamics to enhance efficiency and speed.
One of the Emeya’s standout features is its active exterior components. These include a front grille, a rear diffuser, and a dual-layer rear spoiler, all contributing to a net downforce of over 215 kilograms (474 pounds). Downforce is essential for high-performance vehicles, as it helps keep the car planted to the road, improving stability and handling, especially at high speeds.
Underpinning the Emeya’s dynamic capabilities is its electronically controlled air suspension. Equipped with sensors that monitor the road’s conditions a staggering 1,000 times per second, this system adjusts the suspension settings in real-time to deliver a smooth and exhilarating ride, staying true to Lotus’s legacy of connecting drivers to the road.
When it comes to the powertrain, the Emeya’s top-spec model features a high-power dual-motor setup. This configuration enables the Emeya to sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (0 to 62 miles per hour) in under 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour). It’s worth noting that Lotus referred to this as the “top specification model,” which suggests there might be different variants available. Whether we’ll see a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version remains to be seen.
Powering these electric motors is a substantial 102 kWh battery pack, sharing the same 800V BEV platform as Lotus’s Eletre SUV. This high-voltage setup allows for rapid charging, with the Emeya capable of regaining 150 kilometers (93 miles) of range in just five minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. Even an 80% charge can be achieved in a mere 18 minutes. While Lotus hasn’t disclosed the official range figures yet, this battery and charging performance indicate that the Emeya is poised to be a long-distance cruiser, ideal for grand touring.
Lotus has revealed that further details, including pricing and market availability, will be disclosed in Q4 of this year. Production is expected to commence in 2024.
This shift to electric hyper grand tourers marks a bold new chapter in Lotus’s storied history. The Emeya demonstrates the company’s commitment to combining its performance DNA with the efficiency and sustainability of electric powertrains. As Lotus continues its journey toward electrification, we can look forward to more innovative and electrifying vehicles from this iconic brand.