The Eletre comes with four lidar sensors, which pop out of its body.
The Lotus Eletre electric crossover has finally arrived after years of waiting. The brand says the name means “coming to live” in certain Eastern European languages. The model will have the spirit and utility of a Lotus sports car, but the versatility of a crossover.
The Eletre rides on Lotus Electric Premium Architecture platform. According to the company, the output of each EV’s various trims starts at 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts), with a motor driving each axle. The fastest acceleration to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes just 3.0 seconds and the highest speed is 161 miles per hour (260 kph). The weight of the crossover is not yet known by the automaker.
According to the automaker, the battery has a capacity of over 100 kilowatt hours. This allows for an estimated WLTP range around 373 miles (600 km). The Eletre can charge at 350 kilowatts. This gives you a range of 248 miles (400 km) in just 20 minutes.
Air suspension with active ride height adjustment is used to transport the crossover. The crossover also features active anti-roll bars and rear-axle steering.
The front of the Eletre is a crossover that adapts the design elements from the Lotus Emira sport car to the form of a crossover. Split headlights are a fitting addition to the current trend. The main lamps and running lights are located at the top of the fascia, while the main lamps are located in the lower section of the fascia. Active aerodynamics is achieved by the grille’s triangular interconnected pieces. These open when the brakes, battery pack and motors need cooling.
The Eletre has four deployable lidar sensors. Two sensors are mounted on the roof, one just above the windshield and the other above the rear window. Each side has one device, with the other near the front bumper. The vehicle can use cameras to make the side mirrors in areas where it is permitted.
Lotus claims that the Eletre can perform “end-to end autonomous driving.” The tech allows for over-the-air upgrades to improve the system.
Instead of a traditional instrument panel the area in front is a thin strip less than 1.18 inches (30 mm) high. On the passenger side, a matching piece displays different information such as the music selection and nearby points of interests. The center is a landscape-oriented 15.1-inch screen that displays all information. Standard features include augmented reality and a head-up display.
The Eletre will be built by Lotus at a new Wuhan factory. Delivery will begin in 2023. They will be delivered to China, the UK and Europe first. The company has not yet revealed whether an electric crossover will be coming to the United States. Motor1.com asked Lotus if they would announce the electric crossover.