Lotus Blooms: How the Electric Evija Hypercar Hints at the Future of Lightness

He indicated the “mid-engine” battery stack as a prime example of this fusion of the technical and the visual. It offers the vehicle traditional proportions and enhanced equilibrium, while also enabling Carr to optimize passenger area and craft a breezy, cozy, highly habitable cockpit you might not anticipate in such a radical vehicle. Amid the striking floating dashboard—a nod to the tube-framed race cars of the 1950s—and compact rectangular steering wheel, it stands as the finest interior Lotus has ever constructed, an elegant stream of technological opulence that is just adequately restrained to signal its British origin. When seated inside, the driving posture feels instinctive and well-thought-out, with exceptional front visibility facilitated by the minimalist dash and short cowl.

“What it achieves for the driver as well is when you’re inside the vehicle, you truly perceive like you’re ensconced in the automobile, you’re enveloping the automobile, you can observe the fender position to maneuver it on a track,” Carr mentions.

It also exudes remarkable craftsmanship for a mobile concept vehicle, hinting at a promising future for the finalized model. Where will all this expertise progress to next? Inescapably, quad-motor drivetrains will emerge as the standard for high-performance electric vehicles eventually, and the Evija’s evolution could position Lotus at the forefront of that evolution. Moreover, the battery results from a partnership between Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering—that Williams—in what is likely to be the inaugural of many battery refinement projects. Carr assures that new models are already in progress that will be “equally captivating in their respective sectors.” He just withholds disclosure on any of them.

“The Evija appears as though it has been sculpted by air, which is our grandiose way of expressing that it simply looks impressive,” Carr chuckles.

Frankly, all the promotional language in the world can’t dull the splendor of that beautiful rear section, indisputably the standout exterior highlight of the Lotus Evija. Dual Venturi tunnels shoot rearward from just behind the upward-swinging doors, meandering around the back wheels before erupting out from the tail in a striking symmetrical presentation. The taillights encircle the apertures in fiery curves resembling an aircraft’s afterburners. It’s breathtaking—and all part of Lotus’ quest to reclaim the aerodynamic supremacy on the streets that it once possessed in motorsport with endeavors like the renowned Type 78 ground effects F1 car.

The ease with which the Evija navigates through the atmosphere mirrors that newfound emphasis; the future of hypercar design lies in enabling air to flow through the structure rather than deflect and circumvent around it. Jet airplanes serve as the new benchmark (“We’re clearly seeking downforce, not lift on our vehicles. We have to install those correctly.”). Carr elaborated on his array of techniques aside from the Venturi tunnels. The front end features a splitter that guides air into three distinct channels for both aerodynamic and battery/motor cooling functions. The retractable side mirror camera system eliminates a significant source of turbulence. At the rear are a movable spoiler and the active drag reduction flaps in the central section of the lower diffuser akin to those on an F1 vehicle.

“The aerodynamics guys discuss porosity, translucency, about implementing the minimal obstruction to the air, maintaining the air flow swiftly to reduce resistance. We simply believed that visually, your gaze should be pulled through the car as well.”

The plan was always to design with those considerations in mind, and that unified focus is evident in the composed appearance in front of you. However, Carr is very clear that form can only trail function to a specific extent. He insists that a Lotus should always be pleasing to the eye, so his team eventually discovered inspiration in the natural world—things like ice caverns or a rugged coastal cliff to integrate those aerodynamics as a vital component of the structure. Carr is also a great admirer of Norman Foster, especially his way of “honoring the structure,” a notion that absolutely pertains to the aero design of the Evija.

“We didn’t want to create some crazy science fiction design that will go out of fashion. It’s got to be something lasting,” he says. “And there will be certain visual cues that we take from this car which will transcend sports cars, and other cars that perhaps aren’t pure two-seat sports cars that we’ll have going on in the future.”

So Venturi tunnels on that upcoming Lotus SUV? It’s not improbable.

Colin Chapman was fixated on making every vehicle he handled lighter, a much bigger challenge when dealing with the energy density of modern lithium-ion batteries. Those things are substantial. Lotus hasn’t disclosed yet the exact weight of the Evija’s 70 kWh battery, but it’s significant that the company chose to enhance a less dense battery with Williams’ assistance rather than insert a 100+ kWh block in there to keep the car around 3,700 pounds. That’s relatively heavier for a conventional hypercar but rather light compared to electric vehicles. The Rimac C Two, for instance, weighs in at 4,300 pounds. Even the humble Tesla Model 3 goes over 4,000 pounds in certain configurations.

Nonetheless, the Lotus’ battery alone likely exceeds 1,000 pounds, so the company removed excess weight wherever possible. A crucial advancement here is Lotus’ maiden use of a carbon-fiber monocoque structure in a production vehicle, constructed by the specialists at CPC in Italy. The company asserts “the manufacturing process mirrors that of an F1 chassis,” which, of course. More pertinent are the savings derived from the 248-pound component. Additionally, individual elements like the magnesium wheels and e-motors have been simplified, and the driver-centered cockpit yields further benefits by eliminating unnecessary displays and other embellishments.

“Every single one of [Chapman’s] vehicles exhibited exceptional design and unmatched technical prowess. So, in my opinion, he would likely appreciate it,” Carr cautiously mentions when asked about how the late great Chapman would react to the Evija. “I wouldn’t want to speculate on behalf of a brilliant mind who is no longer with us. However, we’ve shared the car with his son and widow, and they reacted positively, so hopefully, his perspective would align.”

The prioritization of lightweighting will significantly rise in the initial age of electric vehicles, and Lotus has the potential to position itself at the forefront. It is clear that the upcoming decade for Lotus will showcase vehicles that draw inspiration—be it material or otherwise—from the Evija. The primary uncertainty revolves around whether Lotus can successfully execute these plans. It’s challenging to contemplate this ambitious vision without recollecting the failed five-concept release by former CEO Dany Bahar in 2010 that ultimately went nowhere.
Understandably, the current circumstances present a completely different scenario. What holds more significance here is the concept of Lotus reshaping its identity with a $2 million hypercar when it has always been recognized as a budget-friendly performance brand. Assuming the Evija meets all expectations, it will undoubtedly elevate Lotus to a higher tier, “right there, at the top,” as described by Carr. Nonetheless, the company will still need to cater to enthusiasts of a $50,000 Elise. Carr affirms that this is part of the overarching strategy.

The formula is now strikingly straightforward: Develop the most lightweight iteration of each vehicle being produced. Or the most aerodynamic. Or the most enjoyable to drive. Ideally, all three criteria. Lotus, in 2019, acknowledges its rich heritage and the numerous influences it encompasses, while also envisioning its future built upon these foundational elements. Its evaluation should be in line with this perspective.

“The excitement lies in the potential that awaits us. What we are beginning to execute now aligns with our long-standing aspirations,” Carr expresses with a smile. “I believe that the current projects have reignited our enthusiasm. They have provided us with a clear direction, reignited our ambitious spirit, and prompted us to continually question our approaches.”