Lotus Eletre, the new PHEV version debuts in China

Lotus has revealed the plug-in hybrid version of its Eletre SUV. The model, launched in China under the marketing name “For Me” (which is unlikely to be retained on the European market when it arrives next summer), combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a synchronous motor on each axle for a total output of more than 940PS and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds. Lotus Eletre is also PHEV Despite being presented as an independent model and with a new name, it surpasses the fully electric Eletre R in power and introduces a 70 kWh battery which, according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, offers up to 350 km of autonomy in electric mode alone. Lotus also claims a combined range of 1,420 km and “6C” fast charging functions capable of taking the charge from 30% to 80% in just eight minutes. A model that therefore marks an important turnaround for the English brand: after initially promising a total transition to electric, the company returns to combustion engines as a source of hybrid propulsion to expand its offering. In Europe next summer the For Me is also equipped with advanced technologies such as the 6D digital dynamic chassis and a 48V adaptive anti-roll bar, designed to improve dynamic behavior and comfort by reducing the “sinking” sensation typical of some SUVs. The declared weight varies between 2,575 and 2,625 kg, and is therefore close to that of the electric version. Lotus explicitly positions the model in the high-performance luxury SUV segment, citing models such as Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX and BMW XM as direct rivals. From a commercial and product point of view, the choice to introduce a PHEV engine responds to the need to stimulate sales in markets where the penetration of electric vehicles is still slow: in this sense, CEO Feng Qingfeng explicitly indicated countries such as Italy and Saudi Arabia.