The Lotus Emira represents the latest petrol model from the English company which, in 2021, announced its intention to produce only electric cars starting from 2028. A farewell to combustion units which followed what was declared by many manufacturers around the globe.
And as has happened in recent times, Lotus has also announced that it has revised their plans. Nothing all in on electric. CEO Feng Qingfeng declared this during an interview released by the Wall Street Journal, speaking at the Guangzou Motor Show.
Super hybrid supercars
The change in strategy comes at a complicated historical moment, with electric power unable to take root even in luxury segment. Even in popular markets such as China. This explains Lotus’s about-turn, as commented by Feng
“At Lotus we have always chosen the best power technology available, whether it is pure petrol, pure electricity, hybrid or extended range EV”
Precisely this latest technology will be used in the future. Baptized “super hybrid” will combine fast charging and a turbo engine used as a generator, for a total autonomy of approximately 1,100 km.
This is a clear change compared to the original position held in Hethel, which until recently said it was against the use of extended autonomy electrical systems – with heat engine called to recharge the batteries and not connected in any way to the wheels – due to the dependence of the battery charge and the quantity of petrol available. Feng said Lotus will fix the problem with a 900V battery architecturefor particularly fast charging.
It is unclear which Lotus models will be equipped with the new hybrid technology. Certainly the Electre and Emeya are in pole position, so as to offer greater versatility and attract a greater number of customers. Of course, the new powertrain it would once again have a negative impact on weight, but we are now light years away from the lightness of the past and strongly desired by founder Colin Chapman.
Who will want a new one More “traditional” Lotus in forms and philosophy, driven by a classical hybrid system, one must not hope too much. In fact, everything suggests that this powertrain will also be destined to move models similar to the current sedans and SUVs. Luckily the Emira will be on sale for a few more years.
Source: it.motor1.com
