Lotus has shared additional details about its highly anticipated electric SUV, the Eletre. While initial information was unveiled last year, the company now offers more comprehensive specifications and pricing, allowing us to gain further insight into this remarkable vehicle.
Although complete details on U.S. specifications and pricing are yet to be disclosed, we can draw some conclusions by examining the European-market model. The Eletre will be launched with three different versions: the standard Eletre, Eletre S, and the high-performance Eletre R. The Eletre and Eletre S share the same performance characteristics, with the S model featuring enhanced luxury equipment. On the other hand, the Eletre R stands out as a unique variant designed for exceptional performance.
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The base model and the Eletre S will be equipped with electric motors on both the front and rear axles, combining to generate an impressive 603 horsepower and 524 pound-feet of torque. Lotus claims this power will allow for a 4.5-second acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph, with a top speed of 160 mph. These versions are estimated to offer a driving range of 373 miles according to the WLTP cycle, although this figure may decrease in EPA estimates.
The Eletre R raises the performance bar significantly. Its twin electric motors produce a combined output of 905 horsepower and 726 pound-feet of torque. However, the advancements don’t stop there. Unlike the base models that utilize a single-speed transmission, the Eletre R incorporates a two-speed transmission for the rear electric motor, while maintaining a single-speed transmission for the front axle. Lotus asserts that this configuration optimizes launch performance and improves range at higher speeds. The shifts are automatic. Impressively, the Eletre R can achieve the 0-62 mph sprint in a mere 2.95 seconds and reach a slightly higher top speed of 165 mph. Nevertheless, due to the two-speed transmission, the estimated range decreases to 304 miles on the optimistic WLTP cycle.
Another crucial detail released by Lotus is the battery pack size across all versions of the Eletre. The SUV will house a 112 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Notably, the vehicle can be rapidly charged with a maximum speed of 350 kW using a compatible DC fast charger. This allows the battery to reach a charge level of 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes. Furthermore, AC charging is supported up to 22 kW, enabling a full charge from 0 to 100% on a home charger within six hours.
Moving on to the weight aspect, the base model of the Eletre weighs 5,489 pounds when devoid of additional options. Admittedly, this might seem hefty for a Lotus-badged vehicle. However, the Eletre R surpasses that weight, tipping the scales at 5,820 pounds. It is important to remember that electric vehicles inherently carry a substantial weight due to their nature. Moreover, the Eletre should be perceived as a luxury performance SUV, aimed at competing with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Aston Martin DBX.
As for pricing, the European figures have been disclosed, with the base model starting at £89,500 (approximately $115,000). Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that pricing variations will exist between European countries and the United States. In the UK, for instance, the high-performance Eletre R comes with a price tag of £120,000. Interested customers in the UK and Europe can already place their orders, and deliveries are scheduled to commence in the late summer. Availability in other markets will be announced at a later date.
