Eletre - The Globe's First Electric Hyper-SUV by Lotus is Spectacularly Brilliant

The Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUV is simply amazing. Being the first of a new class of pure electric sport utility vehicles, all-new and all-electric, this luxury electric car is in the news for all the right reasons.

It is based on Lotus's newest sports vehicle, the Emira, and has the aerodynamic performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar. The new car marks a number of firsts for the carmaker — it is the first five-door production car, the first model to be sold outside the sports car class, the first lifestyle electric vehicle, and the most 'connected' Lotus ever.

Lotus Eletre is a four-wheel drive vehicle with a battery capacity of over 100kWh and a top speed of 600hp. In only 20 minutes, a 350kW charger can provide a 400km (248 mile) range. The car's maximum WLTP driving range is estimated to be around 600 kilometres (c.373 miles). Additionally, it has the capacity to take 22kW AC charging, which decreases the amount of time spent plugged in when accessible. Four driving modes allow for fine-tuning of the steering, damper settings, engine, and accelerator pedal responsiveness. Range, Tour, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual settings are all standard on all models of the automobile.

The world's first all-electric hyper-SUV has the most sophisticated active aerodynamics package available on a production SUV, as well as intelligent driving technology such as the world's first deployable Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system in a production vehicle.

Eletre will be manufactured at a brand-new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Wuhan, China. The automobile was 'Born British, Raised Globally,' with design work headed by the UK and backed by teams in China, Sweden, and Germany. An international team located at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Warwickshire, UK, directed the overall external and interior design.

Lotus' all-new Electric Premium Architecture underpins the Eletre (EPA). The low-to-the-ground design provides superior handling, and the EPA is readily adaptable to handle battery capacities, motors, component layouts, and intelligent driving technologies seen in C+ to E+ vehicle classes.

The new SUV's appearance is defined by a cab-forward posture, a large wheelbase, and very small front and rear overhangs. A distinguishing feature of the design is its 'porosity' - the aerodynamic notion of air flowing through, under, over, and around the vehicle. It is particularly noticeable when air is channelled under the car's leading edge and exits via two vents in the hood above. Porosity is also evident ahead of and behind the front wheel arches, behind the rear wheels, and even at the top of the D-pillar.

The front grille of the automobile is composed of a network of interconnected triangular petals. They stay closed while the automobile is at rest or when it is necessary to minimise drag while moving. They open to enable air to enter the radiator, enabling the Eletre to 'breathe' when the electric motors, battery pack, and front brakes need cooling.

Carbon fibre is used to polish the black components, while aluminium is used to finish the body panels. There are no door mirrors because they have been replaced with an Electric Reverse Mirror Display (ERMD). The ERMD includes three cameras – one for the rear-view mirror, another for creating a 360-degree image of the vehicle from above to assist with parking, and a third for intelligent driving technology.

On the back, a full-width ribbon light strip is visible. It is red while the automobile is moving and has a scrolling directional indication at either end. The light may take on four distinct hues.

The interior's performance-driven design is dominated by visually lightweight, ultra-premium materials. It is available in a four- or five-seat configuration. Inside, a fixed panoramic glass sunroof offers a sense of spaciousness.

The Eletre's infotainment system takes use of clever technology. Below the instrument panel, a light blade runs across the cabin, enclosed in a ribbed channel that expands at either end to provide the air vents. While it looks to float, the light has a purpose beyond decoration, serving as a component of the human-machine interface (HMI). Its colour changes to communicate with its residents. Below the light is a 'ribbon of technology' that provides information to the front seat passengers.

The Eletre is equipped with the following features: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Collision Mitigation Support Front (CMSF); Traffic Sign Information (TSI); Door Open Warning (DOW); Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA); Lane Change Assist (LCA); Children Presence Detection (CPD); Lane Keep Aid with Lane Departure Warning / Prevention (LKA+); Parking Emergency Brake (PEB); Collision Mitigation (E-Call). The outboard rear seats include i-Size child seat anchor points.

‘Born British, Raised Globally’The Eletre is the first car in a new line of premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles that will be manufactured in a brand-new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Wuhan, China. The automobile was 'Born British, Raised Globally,' with the UK design team collaborating with teams in China, Sweden, and Germany. An multinational team located at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre in Warwickshire, UK, directed the design.

Lotus's Senior Vice President, Executive Advisor, Design, Peter Horbury, commented:

"The Eletre represents a once-in-a-generation creative opportunity in performance automobile design — the possibility to start from scratch. As a consequence, the Eletre is a truly unique 'Hyper-SUV'; it heralds the dawn of a new age of pure electric SUVs."

The Eletre is based on Lotus' groundbreaking and extremely adaptable Electric Premium Architecture. The EPA's low-to-the-ground design provides exceptional handling, and it is readily adaptable to a variety of battery capacities, motor configurations, component layouts, and intelligent driving technologies.

The platform will serve as the foundation for Lotus's all-new line of premium lifestyle performance electric automobiles.

The Lotus Eletre is currently available for pre-order in certain worldwide regions, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2023.

Visit Lotuscars.com for further details.