Like many car makers, after several years of intense research and development of electric vehicles (EV), some have rather been caught out by the disinterest of some sections of the motoring fraternity who are not rushing to go electric. Certainly EV’s are sorted now and selling well, but the brands understand that it may be a change too far for some right now; hence this hybrid: The Eletre X. Is this car the solution to modern motoring, combining the range of internal combustion with the instant power of electric drive?
About The Car
To this end, the premium sports car maker is adding an excellent hybrid to the Lotus Eletre line-up in the hopes of convincing buyers still uncertain about range issues or charger availability. In terms of looks and interior, it is pretty much the same as the standard Eletre EV that we featured here at MHH International in April last year, as you can see in our images. The only real changes are that there is more cooling at the front and exhaust pipes at the back, for the generator. It’s a big car and there’s ample head and leg room front and back. Options for the beautifully laid-out, prestige cabin include a full Nappa leather interior, exemplifying craftsmanship. It’s a great place to sit. No less than twenty-three speakers are standard. There’s a panoramic roof too.
More to the point is the hybrid nature of this astonishing quick, long distance sports EV. Different manufacturers have taken slightly different approaches to hybrid technology. Some are self charging, some are plug-in. The Eletre X does both and it’s a great idea as it introduces Europe’s first and only hybrid technology capable of delivering an astonishing 939BHP (952PS / 700kW): Yes, you read that right. This is paired with a combined driving range exceeding 746 miles (1,200km) of which up to 217 miles (350km) is of pure electric power range. The car will be launched in June of this year in Europe.
Hybrid X
The ‘generator’ engine is a two litre four-cylinder petrol turbo, mounted transversely in the nose. In use, the engine largely drives a 150kW generator, but, usefully it can also switch into a single-speed transmission to drive the front wheels. That's the most efficient way of using petrol at cruising speeds, it seems. This substantial sporting SUV will have a fifty litre fuel tank but the main thrust of the power comes from the electric motors front and rear.
When it’s time to charge the batteries, owners will be able to complete a thirty to eighty per cent top-up in eight minutes on a DC fast charger; just time for a coffee. If drivers want to go the distance, the combined power-train is able to generate up to 25kWh of electricity per hour at a 70mph cruise, topping up the battery on the go. Obviously this will use petrol, but it renders non-stop long distance achievable.
The Drive
Fortunately, the technology still delivers that unmistakable Lotus handling. A 48V active antiroll bar and an active rear spoiler with four positions generate strong downforce depending on mode in use. Stopping power is delivered by big Brembo 6piston front brakes and rapid thermal recovery.
Dualchamber air suspension with dualvalve dampers reacting in balance comfort with sharp dynamic control. Special Lotus developed tyres especially tuned for wet adhesion and highspeed stability harness all that brake horsepower potential. The hybrid system intelligently shifts between pure EV, series hybrid (range extender), and parallel hybrid (the set and forget position) modes to ensure optimal efficiency, responsiveness and real-world usability.
You would think that, with all that power on tap, the car would be something of a handful and that the quiet ride of an EV would be marred by the 2.0 litre engine; but not so. It remains amazingly quiet and sensible drivers who aren’t constantly stamping on the loud pedal will barely notice any difference. Under acceleration, the all-wheel-drive system sends slightly more power to the back than the front, which makes sense, but it’s almost fifty-fifty. Under lighter throttle inputs the rear axle takes priority. The Lotus Eletre X is a big premium car with a big heart and there’s lots to like, not just for EV converts but also those long-distance drivers who can now forget about range anxiety. Lotus might just have come up with the ideal compromise.
MHH International
As leaders in the field of vehicle exports, MHH International offer a very wide range of new and used vehicles from many prestige car manufacturers including Lotus, for shipping from the UK to no less than twenty-seven destinations worldwide, including Kenya and New Zealand. Our comprehensive service is second to none and we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction. Please see our customer reviews on this website. Get in touch to find out about VAT-free options too.
