By DCB Editorial, November 21, 2024
Lotus Cars has shifted its strategy to embrace hybrid technology, moving away from its earlier commitment to an all-electric future by 2028. This change reflects the ongoing reluctance of luxury car buyers—even in major markets like China—to fully commit to electric vehicles (EVs).
At the Guangzhou Motor Show, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng introduced a “super hybrid” system that combines a turbocharged combustion engine with fast-charging technology, offering an impressive 680-mile range. The innovation leverages Lotus’s advanced 900V architecture, enabling “flash-charging” to address earlier criticisms of plug-in hybrids for their compromised driving dynamics when batteries run low.
The Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan are strong candidates for this hybrid system, as it could boost their appeal in the competitive luxury segment. While the hybrid powertrain adds weight, these models are already focused on luxury rather than lightness.
However, traditional Lotus sports cars, renowned for their lightweight design, are unlikely to adopt hybrid technology. The Emira sports car will continue to deliver a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) experience for a few more years.
