Lotus Unveils 1,900-hp EV

Group Lotus plc’s all-new Evija electric hypercar will generate more than 1,970 hp and 1,250 lb-ft of torque, which the carmaker boasts will make the vehicle the most powerful production model in history.

Lotus released images of the sleek two-seater today and detailed some technical and performance specifications. Production of the car, which is due to start next year, will be limited to 130 units. Pricing will start at more than $2 million.

Power is generated by four electric motors, each of which makes nearly 495 hp. The combination will propel the hypercar to 100 kph in less than three seconds and to 300 kph (186 mph) in under 9 seconds on its way to a top speed of more than 200 mph.

The 70-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an estimated driving range of 250 miles on the WLTP cycle. Lotus says the battery can be fully recharged in 18 minutes with an ultra-fast 350-kW system and in just nine minutes with a next-generation 800-kW charger.

Codenamed the Type 130, the new EV measures 181 inches long, 79 inches wide and 44 inches tall. The use of a carbon fiber monocoque chassis keeps weight down to about 3,700 lbs.

Lotus will manufacture the Evija at the company’s plant in Hethel, U.K. The vehicle is the brand’s first all-new model in more than a decade. China’s Geely Holding Group Co. purchased a controlling stake in Lotus in 2017.