Lotus Faces Challenges in Transition to Electric Vehicles
Like many automakers, both large and small, Lotus is bidding farewell to the internal combustion engine (ICE). The Elise, Exige, and Evora models have all been retired, with the Emira now heading toward its end. However, the Emira may continue to be produced longer than expected if battery supply issues hinder Lotus’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Excluding the limited-edition Evija, the Emira is currently the only sports car in Lotus’s lineup and the last one powered by an ICE. The iconic British car manufacturer is planning to introduce a new electric sports car reminiscent of the Elise by 2027. While this timeline remains, there are growing concerns that current heavy battery technology does not align with Lotus’s philosophy of crafting lightweight and engaging sports cars. If a viable EV successor isn’t developed quickly, the Emira could have a longer lifecycle, raising questions about a future Lotus lineup consisting solely of electric crossovers, even if they are high-performance models.
Lotus Group’s Vice President of Design, Ben Payne, highlighted the limitations of today’s battery technologies on automotive design. Due to their size, batteries are generally installed along the vehicle’s floor, which can negatively impact weight distribution and balance.
"[T]he Elise is the go-to touchpoint for Lotus,” explained Payne. “The technology right now does not really allow you to recreate that product in a convincing way. The archetype of the moment is the larger, higher product, as it is simpler to package the necessary technical elements into that size of vehicle.”
Current models exemplifying this trend include the Eletre and Emeya. The Eletre is designated as a “hyper SUV” with a powerful 905 horsepower, while the Emeya serves as a “hyper GT” built on the same platform. While both vehicles excel in power and aerodynamics, they do not capture the essence of a nimble, fun-to-drive British roadster.
The initial emphasis on EV development prioritized range improvement. For instance, the Nissan Leaf, which debuted in 2011 as the first mass-produced battery electric vehicle (BEV), offered only 73 miles of range. The current model has more than doubled that capability to 149 miles, but with many EVs now surpassing 300 miles, concerns about range anxiety have diminished. The industry is now shifting focus toward making batteries smaller and lighter.
As Payne noted, battery technology largely dictates the design of modern EVs. Enhancing range necessitates larger batteries, which increase weight and volume—characteristics contrary to the Elise’s lightweight nature. While most EVs currently utilize heavy lithium-ion batteries, advancements in solid-state battery technology are underway. These batteries promise to be lighter, faster to charge, and safer, although they present their own challenges, including the need for different materials, recycling difficulties, and higher production costs. However, these obstacles are viewed as temporary.
“For a brand like Lotus, being able to minimize everything and then compact the vehicle around those elements is at the heart of [founder Colin] Chapman’s philosophy,” Payne said. Although he did not confirm any delays regarding the upcoming electric sports car, he emphasized the importance of aligning all factors properly within the business framework.
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