Nyobolt Transforms Classic Lotus Into Promising Electric Sports Car
The concept of converting an old Lotus into an electric sports car is far from new—it was the very foundation of Tesla’s journey. However, with electric vehicles becoming increasingly mainstream, it may be easy to overlook another startup aiming to follow in the footsteps of the Tesla Roadster. Yet, this effort from the British engineering firm Nyobolt could be one to watch. They have developed a prototype to showcase their cutting-edge rapid-charging battery technology, which offers exciting potential for lightweight and enjoyable electric vehicles.
If the Nyobolt electric vehicle (EV) looks somewhat recognizable, that’s because it originally started its life as a Lotus Exige. To redesign it for an electric format, Nyobolt enlisted the expertise of Julian Thompson, the original designer of the Series 1 Elise. The result is a slightly elongated and more modern version, but it unmistakably retains the classic Elise character.
What sets this vehicle apart is not just its sleek design but also its innovative battery technology. Nyobolt claims that its high-density battery allows the 35-kWh pack to charge at a remarkable rate of 350 kW, resulting in a total vehicle weight of just 2,746 pounds. While this is heavier compared to the Series 3 Elise’s approximate 2,000-pound weight, it remains impressive for an electric vehicle.
While charging speeds of 350 kW are not new, Nyobolt’s ability to maintain that pace throughout most of the charge cycle is noteworthy. The company states that its battery management software can take the vehicle from a 10% to 80% charge in just 4 minutes and 37 seconds.
This compact battery may only hold 35 kWh, but Nyobolt’s ability to deliver 24.5 kWh in under five minutes suggests it effectively sustains a 350-kW charge throughout nearly the entire cycle. This advancement could have significant implications for both budget-friendly and sporty electric cars. Nyobolt has also validated the durability of this technology, having tested its prototype through 4,000 full charging cycles—the equivalent of 600,000 miles—while maintaining over 80% of its capacity.
One important question remains: what is the vehicle’s range? Nyobolt reportedly estimates a range of 155 miles. While some may find this figure disappointing, especially when compared to the 2024 Mini Cooper SE’s 114-mile range despite being 400 pounds heavier, it indicates notable progress. The upcoming SE may double the range but carries nearly twice as much battery weight.
Shane Davies, Nyobolt’s director of vehicle battery systems, stated, “We can enable OEMs to revive excitement in a segment that has been weighed down by traditional batteries. Our Nyobolt EV highlights the efficiency gains from our fast-charging, long-lasting battery technology, which allows the battery capacity to be optimized without sacrificing performance.”
Though Nyobolt hasn’t disclosed specific collaborations, the company is reportedly in discussions with eight different car manufacturers regarding its battery technology. Additionally, they have partnered with Callum, the UK design firm founded by esteemed Jaguar designer Ian Callum, to move this prototype into limited production. There is hope that Nyobolt will ultimately produce and sell some of these Elise-based coupes, demonstrating that lightweight, all-electric sports cars are both feasible and desirable.
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