Lotus Installed a Gas Engine in the Eletre SUV | Carscoops
The initial official images of Lotus's hybrid SUV have been released, and besides some new badges, it closely resembles the Eletre EV.
Lotus has developed its first hybrid SUV, which is based on the electric Eletre.
The hybrid features a 2.0L turbocharged engine in conjunction with electric motors.
The total power output could reach 952 hp, surpassing the Eletre R EV.
Recently, Lotus had pledged to an all-electric future. While the plan was ambitious, it may have been slightly premature. Like many other automakers, it is now reassessing its timeline. This leads to a new phase: hybrids. The first model in this transitional phase is a familiar design, derived from the current Eletre SUV.
Images provided by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) support previous reports. Lotus's first hybrid is not a complete redesign but rather a slightly modified version of the existing Eletre, adapted just enough to incorporate a new powertrain.
Visually, there are minimal changes. The body design is largely the same, except for a subtle new ‘For-Me’ badge on the rear. This small emblem is the sole indication that this Eletre has transitioned from batteries to a more combustible option.
What Has Changed Underneath?
Many technical details remain confidential. However, it is confirmed that a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 279 horsepower will be included. This engine will work alongside an undisclosed electric drive system.
Details about the battery pack size and the number of electric motors are still unknown, but reports indicate that the hybrid configuration will offer a total of 952 hp, slightly above the fully electric Eletre R, which provides 905 hp.
The electric range of the Lotus For-Me varies based on the trim, estimated between 345 to 355 kilometers (214 to 221 miles) under the optimistic CLTC cycle.
In plug-in hybrid mode, fuel efficiency is impressively low at just 0.06 to 0.07 liters per 100 km (approximately 392 to 336 mpg), according to WLTC standards.
Once the battery is exhausted and the vehicle operates solely on its combustion engine, fuel consumption increases significantly to between 6.0 and 6.10 liters per 100 km (about 39 to 38.6 mpg).
The hybrid's dimensions mirror those of the EV. Consequently, the sophisticated SUV measures 5,103 mm (201 inches) in length, 2,019 mm (79.4 inches) in width, and stands at 1,636 mm (64.4 inches) tall with a 3,019 mm (118-inch) wheelbase. Weight will range from 2,575 kg (5,676 lbs) to 2,625 kg (5,787 lbs), depending on the specifications.
It’s Coming to Europe
The hybrid variant, named the Eletre For-Me, will be unveiled in China. However, it is not exclusive to that market. Lotus has confirmed that its new plug-in hybrid range will also reach Europe.
Following the hybrid Eletre, a plug-in variant of the stylish Emeya sedan is anticipated. Built on the same platform and sharing many components with the SUV, the Emeya is a clear candidate for hybrid adaptation. Additionally, a third model, a smaller SUV, has been confirmed and is expected to launch in 2027.
Each of these new plug-in hybrids will utilize Lotus’s 900-volt electrical architecture, which offers numerous advantages, including ultra-fast charging capabilities. Lotus claims that charging from 10 to 80 percent will only require ten minutes.
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Lotus Installed a Gas Engine in the Eletre SUV | Carscoops
The initial official images of Lotus's hybrid SUV have been released, and aside from a few new emblems, it resembles the Eletre EV closely.
