Latest news with #Eletre
Auto Blog
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lotus Doubles Down on Hybrids After EV Setback
View post: I Drove the 2025 Mazda CX90 & 2025 Ford Explorer, Which One is Best? Here's My Brutally Honest Review View post: Walmart is selling a 'handy' $66 171-piece tool kit for just $30, and it has 'pretty much everything you need' Change of Heart: From EVs to Hybrids At the end of 2024, Lotus stepped back from its headline-grabbing plan to become an EV-only brand. After years of EV-centric messaging, the British sports car maker admitted what many others in the industry are also starting to face: demand for premium electric vehicles isn't as strong or consistent as initially hoped. In response, Lotus is now taking a more flexible approach to electrification, revisiting hybrid technology as a core part of its future. CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed during the company's Q1 earnings call that Lotus is 'investigating the feasibility' of sports cars using a new 'Hyper Hybrid' plug-in system. The Emira's hybrid future is also taking shape, with more insights about its future electrified heart. Of note, sales for Lotus dropped 42% in the first quarter of 2025, down to just 1,274 cars globally. This is due to various factors, including weak demand for EVs and the U.S. tariffs. With these predicaments, the pivot is less about abandoning electrification entirely and more about reshaping it to suit current market conditions. Hyper-Hybrid Eletre in the Works According to Feng, the Hyper Hybrid powertrain features a 900V battery system with front and rear electric motors, capable of fast-charging from 10-80% in 12 minutes. It offers up to 186 miles of EV-only range and a total range exceeding 620 miles. Crucially, it qualifies as a true plug-in hybrid, not a range-extender – the engine powers the wheels directly. Autocar reports that the first production model to carry Lotus' new Hyper Hybrid system will be a variant of the Eletre SUV. Feng said it will debut in late 2025, with deliveries scheduled for Q1 2026. The combustion engine won't be the familiar Toyota V6 or AMG 2.0L turbo currently used in the Emira, though Lotus hasn't confirmed what will replace them. Electrified Emira to Ignite Demand As for the Emira, it remains the backbone of the brand, accounting for more than 5,000 of Lotus' 12,000 global sales last year. It recently received an update for the 2026 model year, reflecting the automaker's focus on its main mover. Speaking to Auto Express, Lotus Europe CEO Matt Windle hinted at hybrid plans for the mid-engined coupe. Packaging will be important, though, considering the Emira's relatively compact size, expect a system similar in layout to the Ferrari 296 GTB or McLaren Artura. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. We've known that a V8-powered Emira is likely happening to replace the aging Toyota V6 once emissions rules tighten, though it's unclear whether this monster of a power plant will be used for the hybrid setup. The timeline for the Emira is still unclear at this point, but given Lotus' recent lackluster sales, the automaker needs to move quickly. It will also help if it resolves its current issues with tariffs, considering that America represents a substantial chunk of its sales. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Top Gear
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Lotus isn't closing its UK base, but is 'exploring options' to stay competitive
Business Rumours of the brand's Norfolk plant closing have been dismissed Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Headlines over the weekend suggested Lotus Cars' UK HQ could be facing closures. We can confirm the carmaker has denied the rumours, saying "it's business as usual". Lotus told the Financial Times "it had paused production from mid-May to manage inventories amid supply chain issues related to US tariffs", but this doesn't mean the Hethel factory – responsible for 1,300 jobs – is shutting down. Advertisement - Page continues below In a statement, Lotus Cars said: 'The UK is the heart of the Lotus brand - home to our sports car manufacturing, global design centre, motorsport operations, and Lotus Engineering. It is also our largest commercial market in Europe. "Lotus Cars is continuing normal operations, and there are no plans to close the factory. We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.' So fear not, more Lotusness is happening. You might like In fairness, it kinda has to. Strong sales haven't yet paid off the development costs for the Lotus Emira, or the fully electric Eletre and Emeya models. Lotus Cars is owned by Geely – Volvo's parent company – and it's been doing well, particularly in the US. In 2020, it sold just 94 cars in the States, but in the first nine months of 2024, Lotus Technology – its EV subsidiary – reported sales of 1,665. In a bid to mitigate the potential impact of its customers facing import duties, it's looking into how best to continue selling its motors. Advertisement - Page continues below The statement continued: "We have invested significantly in R&D and operations in the UK over the past six years. Lotus remains committed to the UK, and its customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, as well as its proud British heritage." More as we get it. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lotus's UK factory threatened with closure by Chinese owner
The Chinese owner of Lotus is threatening to close the sports car maker's historic British factory after nearly 60 years of production. Geely, which has owned a controlling stake in the marque since 2017, is understood to be considering shutting the plant in Hethel, Norfolk, as it simultaneously eyes a new site in the US. It would mean the loss of 1,300 local jobs and deal a fresh blow to British carmaking following similar closures by Vauxhall owner Stellantis, Ford and Honda in recent years. The threat has echoes of the attempt by China-based Jingye Group to close the blast furnaces at British Steel's plant in Scunthorpe earlier this year, a move that prompted the Government to swoop in and take control of the business. On Friday evening, a spokesman for Lotus declined to comment on 'rumours and speculation'. The company is understood not to have made a final decision. However, the closure plans are under active discussion and production could end permanently as soon as next year, according to the Financial Times, which first reported the story. Production at Hethel has already been on hold since mid-May following Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on foreign cars shipped to the US. Lotus said the decision had been taken to manage inventory and supply chain issues caused by the 27.5pc tariffs on British vehicles. A spokesman insisted this was temporary, adding: 'Production will restart in the next four weeks.' However, it is understood that the longer-term future of the plant remains uncertain. That is despite Geely having previously pumped £500m into a modern revamp of Hethel's production lines, aimed at boosting their capacity from 1,500 cars a year to more than 5,000. Other carmakers including Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin also paused shipments to the US temporarily amid fears that buyers, particularly those interested in luxury vehicles, would hold off from making purchases until the trade dispute was resolved. Most will have resumed from next week when a new UK-US trade deal comes into force, reducing tariffs on British cars to 10pc. Since its takeover by Geely, Lotus has pivoted towards making luxury 'lifestyle' cars including its Eletre electric SUV and the Emeya, an electric grand tourer. Both of these cars are made by Geely in Wuhan, China. At Hethel, the company makes the Emira sports car – the last traditional petrol vehicle the company will ever make – and small numbers of the Evija electric hypercar. More recently bosses have talked about launching a new plug-in hybrid model towards the end of this year after sales of its EVs did not 'tally with expectation'. The company has been based at Hethel for 59 years, in converted hangars that previously housed US air force bomber squadrons during the Second World War. Mike Johnstone, the former chief commercial officer who left in April last year after 18 months in the job, previously told The Telegraph that the company's 'heart and soul is in the UK'. However, Lotus listed on the New York stock market last year and Feng Qingfeng, the current chief executive, this week raised the prospect of opening up a factory in America to avoid Trump's tariffs. Speaking to analysts and investors on a call, Mr Qingfeng said: 'In the future, we are trying to leverage our US strategy to catch up the losses due to the tariff hike. 'At this moment, we are discussing with our strategic partners in the US on localisation plans in order to avoid the influence of the US tariff. 'We believe that localisation is a feasible plan. We will continue to explore the US market with our [plug-in] and also [electric] products.' Revelations about the Hethel factory's potential closure emerged on Friday as figures separately showed that British car manufacturing had fallen to its lowest level since 1949. New car and van production dropped by 33pc in May to 49,810 vehicles, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said, as Trump's tariffs blitz prompted brands to freeze their lines and pause shipments. Excluding the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when factories were forced to close entirely, this was the lowest level of output in 76 years. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Auto Express
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Stunning new Lotus hyper-hybrids to rescue brand from its EV woes
Lotus is a test case on how hard the road to electric motoring will be. The legendary British sports car brand has introduced two impressive clean-sheet EVs – the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon – in just over a year, yet its petrol-powered, mid-engined Emira sports car almost matches their sales volume. Advertisement - Article continues below Then there's the power of politics to make life hard for the car industry. Tariffs are impacting Lotus exports from China, while President Trump rolls back American EV incentives and Prime Minister Keir Starmer moves in the opposite direction by reconsidering a 2030 ban on UK sales of new combustion cars. Given the climate, you'd understand if Matt Windle, the managing director of Lotus sports cars, passed on adding Europe's commercial performance to his responsibilities. Instead, the laid-back Lotus leader is 'excited' about his broader remit. Before Chinese auto group Geely – also owner of Volvo, Polestar, Smart (in a joint venture) and a number of domestic brands – commenced the brand's growth spurt, Windle told me Lotus was a 'sleeping giant'. What is it now? 'It's waking up, it's coming out of hibernation,' he grins. 'We are starting to [realise] the opportunity we have. We've got the best products in our history, for technology, for quality. And the global volume is higher than ever.' Lotus delivered 12,134 cars last year, with the lifestyle EVs accounting for 57 per cent. But the ambition is far higher, especially with Lotus' Wuhan factory having a 150,000-unit capacity. Isn't Windle frustrated by the slow growth? Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'Is it quick enough? No, but I've learned to be patient. The time for impatience is when people don't do what they say they'll do.' With commendable understatement, he continues: 'There are a few external aspects that have had an impact: [sluggish] economies, wars and tariffs – and a lot of them you couldn't have predicted.' He points out that deliveries in 2024 climbed 74 per cent on 2023's, and are in another league compared to the 1,710 cars that Hethel (the Norfolk sports car factory) assembled in 2021, the last year of the Elise, Exige and Evora. Hethel also produces the Evija, the extraordinary hypercar that kicked off the Vision80 plan to transform Lotus from threatened minnow to luxury electric player by 2028. Getting the four-motor, 1,973bhp monster into production has caused a huge headache, with engineering sign-off running years late and the Evija proving a tricky sell – just like its fellow electric hypercars from Rimac and Pininfarina. The ambition was 130 units at £2.4million each: how many orders does Lotus have? 'I'm not going into the numbers,' says Windle, politely but firmly. 'Do I want more? Yes. And the car is going to be out there this year, in front of potential customers, and people now taking delivery of their cars will be advocates for an incredible product. As with every Lotus, you need to get people to drive it and then they understand it.' What has Lotus learned from the Evija project? 'I could write a book on it!' jokes the sports car boss. 'Hypercars are very difficult: you're producing a car to operate at extreme performance levels while making sure it's safe.' Writing the software to manage the delivery of the enormous 1,704Nm of torque to all four wheels was the biggest challenge. Being an electric sports car pioneer has clearly given Lotus pause for thought. The Vision80 blueprint announced the Type 135 (all Lotus projects get a sequential 'type' number), a pure electric coupe destined to replace the Emira. Full of confidence, Lotus even showed a prototype chassis stacking the batteries in the classic mid-engined position, four years ago. What's the latest? Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'We need to understand where the market is going,' replies Windle. 'We've got a range out there we're incredibly proud of right now…which will help with the product strategy. [Future planning] is an incredibly difficult job at the moment. As you'd expect, we're working in the background with R&D and looking at the possibilities.' Will it help that Porsche and Alpine should both introduce electric sports cars in the next year or so? 'Yes, it does. Relative to those guys we are small, and you need to be absolutely certain there's going to be the market share for it. I think there is – and that we've got to go that way as far as legislation is concerned.' Windle is also reticent about the Type 134, a smaller electric SUV beneath the Eletre, though he concedes it's still an aspiration. The priority is 'organic market growth' with the existing products, though Lotus has confirmed it must broaden its powertrain line-up with petrol/electric 'hyper hybrids' to attract more customers. The Eletre is likely to get the powertrain first in 2026, and its 'hyper' label shows engineers will not compromise on the electric SUV's mighty performance. Parent Geely is rolling out a new plug-in hybrid system that mixes a 275bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 389bhp front electric motor and 496bhp rear unit: that would be sufficient firepower to eclipse the base Eletre S's 4.5-second launch from standstill to 62mph. And with the group trying to use more technology across more brands, the engineering team is likely to finesse that system for Lotus. 'The products will be based on the performance where we are now, but then you get that addition of range,' says Windle. The Eletre has the space for a big battery, its 800-volt electric architecture may be upgraded to 900 volts for rapid recharging, and a 500-mile combined range should be possible: the battery alone is reportedly good for more than 200 miles. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Rolling out hybrids should accelerate Lotus's growth – is 30,000 annual sales realistic? 'It's feasible,' he muses. 'Whether it's achievable is a different matter. It's important that we don't chase [a] number. We need to build the business from the bottom up.' The company – whose operations lost $786m last year – hopes to break even in 2026. The UK and Europe account for 40 per cent of Lotus's volume, with Lotus striving to keep a lid on price rises despite the 29.9 per cent import duty on EVs going to the mainland. Windle's growth plan is to look for territorial gaps which could entice new retailers, venture into EV-hungry markets such as the Nordics, and tap the love for Lotus in car-mad countries such as Germany. Likewise the brand can now enter the corporate market, where tax incentives fuel EV sales. But the scale of the task is huge: Lotus only has 16 retailers in the UK, and they've needed to develop a new capability of servicing EVs. Our discussion is in HR Owen's flagship Lotus store opposite London's Ritz hotel, and it's heartening to see faces young and old pressed up to the glass, gazing at the green Evija and Type 72 Formula 1 racer from 1975. Windle, ever the car guy, persuaded Classic Team Lotus boss Clive Chapman to let him drive it. 'It was one of my best ever days,' he beams. 'Clive stood [beside the Hethel test track] and watched me do a lap, get a feel, go a bit quicker. I just felt so engaged with that car. It was the most thrilling but the most never-racking thing ever.' A ground-breaking F1 car couldn't be much more distant from the big electric cars flanking it. But if Lotus can inject the passion it triggers into the new portfolio, the brand has a chance. 'Think of the [ageing, niche] cars we had just seven years ago to where we are now as a portfolio,' urges Matt Windle. 'We're on a journey – and we've already come a long way.' Treating yourself to a Lotus? Tell us which model you're interested in and get top offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers. Let's go… Find a car with the experts Hot new car products: the latest and greatest kit for your car The latest additions to the world of automotive products from floor mats to dash cams... Product reviews 26 Jun 2025 Your dream car colour could actually be a financial nightmare Paul Barker ponders the price of paint, and how mica and metallic mark-ups are leaving car buyers in the shade over the true cost The Nissan Leaf redefined mobility. To save itself, the brand must be daring again Andy Palmer, former Nissan COO, explains why Nissan's latest EV is a crucial one Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more Best cars & vans 23 Jun 2025 New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time' BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact …
NZ Autocar
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Lotus revamps Eletre and Emeya variants
Lotus has freshened the Eletre SUV and Emeya GT line-ups for the new model year. The company also now offers customers more convenience, clarity, and tailored customisation when configuring their Eletre or Emeya. The '600' and '900' model names reflect the power output of these electric models. GT SE and SPORT offerings return to the present line-up. Effective immediately, Lotus offers the Eletre and Emeya as 600 or 900, referencing the two horsepower output versions of both models. It pairs those new versions with predefined equipment levels containing popular options and choices. Customers can therefore select between sportiness or luxury- and technology-led specification. There are now five clearly defined trim levels. They comprise Eletre 600, 600 GT SE and 600 Sport SE, as well as 900 Sport. The Eletre 900 Sport Carbon is the absolute flagship. The Lotus Emeya uses similar nomenclature. Customers can also further customise their vehicle to their own taste thanks to a wide selection of optional packages, individual options and colours. New exterior colours include Zenith White and Akoya White for the Eletre. Quartz and Jasper interior themes are offered, as is Lotuswear Performance Fabric for the seats. Overview of main standard features per model Eletre 600: 450 kW (612 bhp) dual-motor, 4WD, 112 kWh battery pack, 22kW onboard charger, active air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, 20-inch wheels, torque vectoring by brake, LED matrix headlights, KEF Premium 15-speaker audio, HUD, four-zone climate control, Jasper interior theme with Lotusware Performance Fabric for the seats. Eletre 600 GT SE: Intelligent glass roof, parking pack, 22-inch alloy wheels, six-piston brakes, KEF Reference 23-speaker audio, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills. Eletre 600 Sport SE: Lotus dynamic handling pack, active rear spoiler, massaging and ventilated front seats, soft-close doors. Eletre 900 Sport: 675 kW dual-motor, two-speed transmission, Lotus dynamic handling pack, active rear spoiler, Quartz interior theme with Lotusware Performance Fabric for the seats. Eletre 900 Sport Carbon: extended exterior carbon pack, interior carbon pack, Sports bonnet (lightweight composite material), massaging and ventilated front seats, soft-close doors. Emeya 600: 450kW (612 bhp) dual-motor, 4WD, 112 kWh battery pack, 22kW onboard charger, active air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, 20-inch wheels, torque vectoring by brake, LED matrix headlights, KEF Premium 15-speaker audio, HUD, 4 zone climate control, Jasper interior theme with Lotusware Performance Fabric for the seats. Emeya 600 GT SE: parking pack, 21-inch alloy wheels, six-piston brakes, Intelligent glass roof, hands-free tailgate, configurable ambient lighting, illuminated side sills. Emeya 600 Sport SE: Lotus dynamic handling pack, active rear spoiler, active rear diffuser and active front air dam, massaging and ventilated front seats, soft-close doors Emeya 900 Sport: 675 kW (918 hp) dual-motor, two-speed transmission, Lotus dynamic handling pack, active rear spoiler, Quartz interior theme with Lotusware Performance Fabric for the seats. Emeya 900 Sport Carbon: extended exterior carbon pack, extended interior carbon pack, active rear diffuser, active front air dam, massaging and ventilated front seats, soft-close doors The new Emeya and Eletra 900 deliver a 0-100km/h time of 2.78 and 2.95 sec, respectively. Top speed for the Eletra is 256km/h and Emeya 900 265km/h. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 4.15sec in the Emeya 600 GT while the Eletre 600 requires 4.5sec. Respective top speeds are 250 and 256km/h. With a maximum range of 610 km (WLTP;Eletre: 600 km), they are well suited for long electric road trips. Emeya has 800V battery technology with Advanced Lotus Hyper Charging. A 10-80 per cent rezip takes around 14 minutes using a 400kW DC charger (Eletre: 20 minutes from 10-80 per cent at a 350kW DC fast charger). Lotus says that both vehicles feature class-leading ride and handling, steering and aero performance. Air flows through, under, over, and around the vehicles which are said to have 'porosity'. For more information on new Eletre and Emeya, head to or Lotus Auckland. Eletre 600 $189,900 Eletre 600 GT-SE $199,990 Eletre 600 Sport SE $224,900 Eletre 900 Sport $259,900 Eletre 900 Sport Carbon $279,900 Emeya 600 $189,900 Emeya 600 GT SE $199,990 Emeya 600 Sport SE $224,900 Emeya 900 Sport $259,900 Emeya 900 Sport Carbon $279,900
