Lotus isn’t a name we feature too regularly here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk but with the Geneva Motor Show approaching the company has been all over the news.
Originally announcing a leaner, greener version of the Lotus Elise (see article) and then revealing plans to unveil the Lotus Range extender engine at the event (see article), the company will now debut the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept at the Swiss showcase.
The Lotus Evora 414E is so named because it produces 414PS of power with Lotus having developed a drivetrain system that consists of twin motors that provide 152PS of power and 400Nm of torque to each wheel via independent transmissions. Indeed power is no problem for this eye-catching model which can accelerate from 0-60mph in less than four seconds.
The 1.2litre, three-cylinder Lotus Range Extender engine offers the vehicle an additional 35kW of power at 3,500rpm and with innovative architecture there are improvements in engine mass, assembly costs, package size and emissions.
The “green” element of the vehicle comes courtesy of a lithium polymer battery pack that provides 17kWh of energy storage capacity and has been optimised for energy density efficiency with more than 100kW discharge capability. It has an all-electric range of up to 35miles and a total hybrid range of more than 300miles.
According to Lotus, the total lifetime carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the vehicle with the range extender solution, which includes the energy required to manufacture and run it, is actually lower than a fully electric car with comparable performance.
The Geneva Motor Show opens to the Press on March 2 before the public get their first glance at these eagerly anticipated new vehicles on March 4.
