Lotus Eletre: Break and Preservation of the Lotus Tradition

With the Eletre, Lotus is entering completely new territory: the realm of high-end electric SUVs. It is based on the Geely Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) and is also built in China. Visually, it could also come from Lamborghini or a Chinese start-up – especially in the side view.

The dimensions? Not at all Lotus

The dimensions? Generous: a good three-meter wheelbase, 5.10 meters long, 2.23 meters wide with mirrors, and 1.63 meters high – this is clearly a high-end SUV that aims to compete against the likes of the Urus. This also applies to the drivetrain: the Eletre comes only with all-wheel drive, featuring two electric motors that together are said to deliver over 441 kW (600 hp). This should enable it to go from zero to 100 km/h in under three seconds, with a top speed of up to 260 km/h.

The battery offers over 100 kWh for a WLTP range of up to 600 kilometers – realistically, it is expected to be around 450 plus or minus x, based on experience. The charging capability is impressive, with up to 350 kW. Thanks to 800-volt technology, it is said that the jump from 10 to 80 percent can be accomplished within 18 minutes. And at a wallbox, the Eletre charges at 22 kW, meaning it can be fully charged again within six hours. Well – in this aspect, Lotus follows its tradition of offering strong features.

The weight? Not at all – and yet still Lotus

The weight, at around two tons, is absolutely acceptable for the vehicle and battery size. Others already bring more to the scale with combustion engines – Lotus relies on aluminum with carbon here.

The interior space? Not at all Lotus

Inside, Lotus states 400 liters of trunk volume in the rear plus 77 liters for the frunk. Such practical aspects are rather new for Lotus. This also includes the capability for the lights at the front and rear to optionally indicate the battery charge level using a green light bar. The instruments feature two only three-centimeter-thick screen strips in front of the driver and passenger, which they call a "technology band." There is also a head-up display.

Autonomy? Not at all Lotus

The Eletre is said to be capable of autonomous driving up to Level 4 thanks to four lidar systems – meaning that apart from monitoring the vehicle, the driver would have nothing more to do. Quite different from the Elise and Co., where driving was pure work and fun until the end – perhaps not necessarily on long journeys. Inside, the Eletre offers ample space for four on seats made with high-quality wool fabrics and recycled materials – this combination is said to weigh about half as much as leather!

The prices? Lotus!

Production is set to start in 2022, with the first deliveries planned for early 2023. Prices currently start at a manageable £100,000 – that’s approximately €118,500 gross, or just under €99,600 net. Which means the Eletre is not too expensive for what it offers – something that has always distinguished Lotus.

What does that mean?

Initially, we viewed the Eletre with skepticism – but it is likely to be one of the most economical and well-thought-out electric SUVs on the market, maintaining a balance in terms of weight and price (relatively speaking). And thereby being quite "Lotus" – within the realm of possibilities. Because even the Brits need to sell more cars if they want to survive. And for that, more than puristic hardcore sports cars are needed. If all new Lotus models are light, efficient, and practical, the calculation with sharply rising volumes (aiming to sell 100,000 units by 2028) could work out.