English sports car brand Lotus has officially forayed into the Indian market with the most powerful and most expensive electric vehicle (EV) — the Eletre SUV — but will it see a bumpy journey in a country where even budget EVs are finding it difficult to see large-scale adoption?
The Eletre is also the first model of Lotus that marks its transition into an only-electric car brand.
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| The Lotus Eletre EV prices will start from Rs 2.55 crore (Rs 25 million) -- Photo: EV Database. |
The retailer and distributor of Lotus cars will be Delhi-based Exclusive Motors, which also retails Bentleys in India.
The first showroom is set to launch in Delhi early next year, and more will follow across the nation in subsequent years. So, the EV could roll out around mid or end of 2024.
Prices of the Eletre SUV will range from Rs 2.55 crore (Rs 25.5 million) to almost Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million). But does India have a market for its costliest EV so far?
Lotus Eletre SUV exterior design
The Eletre SUV comes with a cab-forward stance, a long wheelbase and a short front as well as rear overhangs. These make it look longer, lower and sleeker than it actually is.
The compact bonnet’s styling cues depict Lotus’ historic mid-engined layout.
There are elements adopted from other Lotus cars, such as the sharp edges on the front, which are like the Lotus Evija and Emira. The India model has the 22-inch and 10-spoke forged wheel as standard.
Aerodynamic efficiency is high as there is an active front grille that channels air under the leading edge through two vents on the bonnet.
At the rear, the Lotus EV has a full-length ribbon light, which curves into the air outlets from the wheel arches. This feature is also similar to the Emira and Evija.
The light is red when the EV moves, but it turns orange or green, indicating the battery charge.
A carbon-fibre, three-stage deployable, split and roof-mounted spoiler has been seamlessly integrated into the rear. The purpose of this is to evoke race car winglets.
The central part is absent. This is intended to minimise weight — one of the many ways Lotus has tried to shed its bulk.
Lotus Eletres’ interiors and features
The Eletre is tech heavy in the interiors. There is a 15.1-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, which can fold flat when not in use.
The dashboard is split into two. Below it, a strip of light runs the full width of the dashboard. It changes colours to communicate with those inside. Like, when there is a phone call, there will be a flash.
Below that, there is the ‘ribbon of technology’, comprising three separate screens. There is no traditional instrument cluster, but a 30 mm strip on either side of the dashboard that displays important vehicle information. There is a third screen — the infotainment display.
Everything can be controlled digitally or via voice commands but there are the HVAC controls, for instance, having physical toggle switches.
The dashboard also has a camera, which senses where the driver is looking and adjusts the screen brightness accordingly.
Lotus EV’s interiors also have a dedicated smartphone app, 5G data compatibility and over-the-air software updates.
Lotus uses a wool-blend fabric on its seats and this is 50 per cent lighter than traditional leather.
As standard, the Lotus SUV is offered with a five-seat bench layout having a split, folding rear bench. There is the option to go for a four-seat version.
There is also wireless charging, 12-way adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, 15-speaker Dolby Atmos and KEF premium sound system, configurable ambient lighting, soft close doors, over the air updates and ADAS features based on Lidar technology.
Lotus Eletre SUV powertrain, range and battery
The Eletre originates from Lotus’ new Electric Premium Architecture. This structure suits numerous car segments, component layouts, different battery sizes, electric motors and intelligent driving technologies.
There are three versions of the SUV — Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R —having two powertrains.
The Eletre and Eletre S come with a 603hp dual-motor system, having a maximum range of 600 km.
The Eletre R, on the other hand, has a 905hp, dual motor along with a two-speed transmission, having a maximum range of 490 km.
Torques stand at 710Nm and 985Nm, respectively, and 0-100 km per hour is done in 4.5 seconds in the Eletre and Eletre S, and in 2.95 seconds in the top R variant. Lotus Eletre R has a top speed of 258 km per hour.
All the three variants come with a 112kWh battery that can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes with a rapid charger. A 22kWh AC charger is a standard offering. The Eletre is unique and does not have any direct competition as of now.
E-Vroooom’s views
So, Lotus may face a bumpy journey in India with its premium-priced electric vehicle Eletre SUV in the short term as the market for even budget EVs is yet to evolve in the country with the likes of Tesla also looking to cut the prices of its cars.
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