The Eletre from Lotus Tech, the new EV arm of the Lotus Company, is promising to be a revolutionary leap forward in electric vehicle technology, and it looks like it might just deliver. But there are a lot of factors to consider. It is an innovative and modern SUV that aims to be a game changer in the auto industry with an impressive range, powerful performance, and sleek esthetics that make it stand out from the crowd. However, there may be an issue with the lack of charging infrastructure to support its technology-as is a major problem with the EV world as well as the cost of purchase.
Ultimately, the Lotus Eletre, the first electric hyper SUV, will be a perfect combination of form and function to revolutionize the electric car market. It is an exciting new addition to the world of electric cars for the 2023 lineup and could likely be one that will be a game-changer for the industry. Its combination of performance, and style, will make the Lotus Eletre a hit. But, will it be the addition to changing the game completely? Will it revolutionize the industry? Will it bring about a turning point that begins to spell an exciting new direction for the EV world? Let's take a look!
10 Love It: The Base Trim Is Powerful
The Lotus Eletre will offer super performance even at the base model, producing an impressive 603 horsepower. Lotus will offer three levels of trim packages and options. You'll be able to choose between the Eletre, Eletre S, or Eletre R and customize your experience according to your wants. On top of that, the Lotus Eletre can go from 0-60 mph in just about 4.5 seconds in the base trim and under three seconds in the top trim, despite its 4,400-pound weight capacity, which is heavy for a Lotus but light for the electric SUV segment. This allows drivers to easily maneuver tight corners better than other SUVs in its class. The higher R model will make 905 horsepower, bringing the 0-60 mph time to 2.95 seconds and giving drivers an exciting driving experience that will leave them satisfied.
9 Leave It: Practical, Family EVs Offer Better Performance
The Lotus Eletre is being marketed as a performance vehicle: the world's first hyper SUV. With an entry-level version that has over 600 horsepower, it'll reach 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds in the base trim and has a top speed of 160 mph. For a vehicle at this price point, those are great figures, but they're not groundbreaking or record-setting given that the segment is already flowing with vehicles offering similar figures either already on the market or soon to be released. The Lotus Eletre's performance numbers aren't making more of an impact because other cars have caught up. If the Eletre had hit the market in the early to mid-2010s, it would have revolutionized the industry but quite simply, other cars have caught up to them over time. What was previously considered an impressive figure is now lost in the crowd.
8 Love It: The Eletre Supports Fast-Charging
The Lotus Eletre will charge at higher speeds than most of its competitors, so you barely have to wait to get back on the road again. It supports up to 350 kW DC fast-charging and can add 250 miles of range in just 20 minutes. The maximum range that the Eletre offers is 373 miles, which is quite impressive, but is as per the WLTP cycle. This means it can charge from 10 to 80-percent in just 20 minutes. This has big implications for convenience and productivity alike which means no more having to wait for long periods for your vehicle to charge before getting back on the road. It also supports 22 kW AC charging for home charging compared to the 7 kW charging capabilities of its competitors, reducing home charging times with the wall charger by more than half of the industry's average.
7 Leave It: Its Range Isn't Groundbreaking
The Lotus Eletre's mileage isn't groundbreaking. Don't get it wrong: its battery capacity is very impressive and its range is large but 373 miles WLTP which comes down to 315 EPA estimated isn't groundbreaking when cars like the Rivian R1S large battery pack version with similar horsepower as the Eletre starts at less than $85,000 and has a similar range. For a vehicle looking to kick start a new revolution in the EV world, 315 miles of EPA estimated range is a figure we've grown used to from other manufacturers and will not be considered groundbreaking in any way. The groundbreaking range would be the Tesla Roadster aiming to break and exceed the 600-mile mark. For electric vehicles currently available on the market, it would be the Lucid Air with over 400 miles of range.
6 Love It: The Lotus Eletre Is Based On A New Architecture
The Lotus Eletre is based on a state-of-the-art architecture. It includes an innovative cooling and energy recovery system alongside a battery pack with cells strategically placed to provide maximum range and stability. Its weight distribution is also balanced to handle cornering and acceleration comfortably. Add to it the fact that the SUV weighs in at about 4,400 pounds, making it one of the lightest large electric SUVs on the market. This makes it perfect for drivers seeking an agile-performance SUV. Combining these design aspects into one beautiful package helps the Lotus not only create a vehicle that looks great and performs well but builds the foundation for a new generation of Lotus electric cars that offer better efficiency and performance without compromising on luxury and comfort behind the wheel.
5 Leave It: Despite Its Size, There's No Third-Row Option
With similar dimensions as cars like the Tesla Model X and the Rivian R1S, the Eletre should be able to fit up to seven passengers, but it isn't offered with a three-row option making it less attractive for those looking to make it a daily family car. But let's console ourselves with some cool features that could make up for this drawback like the fact that despite the lack of a third-row option, the Lotus Eletre offers a large cargo capacity of 26 cubic feet of storage space when the second row is up including the front trunk. That's enough to carry a good number of items like suitcases, it has a lot of legroom for passengers in both rows to stretch out and relax during long trips and the interior is quiet due to its advanced sound insulation system.
4 Love It: A Luxurious, Tech-Heavy Interior
The Lotus Eletre already has a very attractive exterior design, but the interior is also just as impressive. It will have high-quality luxury features and amenities that will impress even the pickiest drivers. The interior will be equipped with 20-way adjustable soft, supportive, and stylish Nappa Leather seats which remember driver and passenger preferences. It also has smart heating and massage modes that will keep occupants refreshed and energized on long trips. The SUV also comes with a High Definition OLED central screen which works together with the digital passenger display. It has a panoramic sunroof for a feeling of spaciousness, which can also be dimmed for additional shade and privacy, as well as a 23-speaker, 2,160 Watts sound system for the best of in-car audio experiences, "jewelry-grade stainless steel and plasticized metals" in the interior not just for luxury, but for durability.
3 Leave It: We've Seen This Exterior Design Style Being Overused Already
This design style has been used over and over again, and although it still looks beautiful on the Eletre, it gives it a bit of a déjà vu feel to it. A similar design style has been used before by the Lamborghini Urus, Huracan, Audi RSQ8, and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The subtle curves still try to give it a fresh, sleek look. The design isn’t revolutionary by any means, but the aerodynamics and powerful motors aim to make it so. Lotus intends to make it an ideal city car. Its bold color will ensure that the car won't blend in with the typical cityscape in any way. The Lotus Eletre's difference in design will be its improvements in visibility due to its technological features such as its 360-degree camera system and LiDAR system.
2 Love It: Level 4 Autonomous Driving Is Expected
The Lotus Eletre will be the first vehicle on the U.S. roads to have level 4 autonomous driving capabilities which means no human assistance is needed in most circumstances when you get behind the wheel. To accomplish this, the Eletre makes use of the LiDAR system which scans 200 meters around the car in every direction. It uses this to generate a sophisticated 3D map of all of its surroundings so it can detect obstacles, rough terrain, and bumps on the road even in times of very low light or unfavorable weather. With this alone, the Lotus Eletre could be a real game changer for autonomous driving technology. In 2022, Japan approved the use of level 4 autonomous driving technology for transit and delivery services, a service that will begin in April 2023.
1 Leave It: The Eletre Is On The Expensive Side
Does the expensive price tag of the Lotus Eletre (£89,500 converted to $107,800) make it a worthwhile investment, considering you can get similar features with other cars at cheaper starting prices? The Rivian R1S features similar performance figures, a three-row configuration option, and a better range at a cheaper starting price. The Tesla Model X although in the premium price range has years of experience and reliability the Lotus doesn't have yet which makes it a more comfortable investment at such a starting price. The Kia EV9 may not have Level 4 autonomous driving capability and the performance figures of the Eletre but with Lotus aiming to make the Eletre an everyday car, it makes them competitors. It will be remarkably cheaper. But, truth is, anyone interested in the Eletre isn't concerned about things like price and a third-row option like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class buyers.