Lotus has reportedly changed its plans for the company’s first SUV model, which is expected to launch in 2022 with an EV powertrain instead of a hybrid one. The first SUV model to bear the Lotus badge has been in development for quite some time now but parent company Geely decided to prioritize a fully electric variant, which will be eventually followed by a hybrid version as well.
Internally codenamed the Lotus Lambda, the
first reports for the SUV model go as back as 2016. The model was originally
thought to be launched with a petrol-electric powertrain, similar to that you’d
find in a Volvo or a Polestar model but since then the EV market has grown
significantly, forcing the carmaker to change plans.
Autocar reports that the Lotus SUV will be
produced at a special section of Geely’s new US$ 1.31-billion factory in Wuhan,
China, and will be based on the recently announced ‘Sustainable Experience
Architecture’. All engineering decisions will still be made in Hethel, with
Lotus given the freedom to cherry-pick the best components inside the Geely
group.
The upcoming Lotus SUV is reportedly going
to be offered in two EV variants; a base model with dual motors and a combined
600 HP and a range-topper with up to 750 HP. In addition, Lotus targets a
driving range of 580 km. Despite the traditionally heavy EV
powertrain, Lotus is still expected to focus on shedding as much weight as
possible from its first SUV. The company’s goal is apparently to offer the
lightest electric SUV in its segment.
The company’s engineers will use the
knowledge gained from the Evija hypercar in setting up and tuning the EV
powertrain, while it’s safe to expect that handling will also be high on their
priorities’ list. Lotus is going to reveal the new electric SUV model in 2022,
with the market launch to follow in 2023.