The Lotus Eletre performance SUV with PHEV powertrain was spotted in China as the automaker aims to make a transition to the hybrid segment. This model will offer a 900V high-voltage system and a combined range of 1,100 km. It seems like the Eletre will become one of the first Lotus-branded models to adopt this tech.
Lotus Eletre is a full-size electric SUV launched in 2022 as the brand’s first mass-produced all-electric model. It is currently available in China within a price range of 548,000 – 1,018,000 yuan (77,040 – 143,110 USD). Depending on the trim level, its power output lies in 450 – 675 kW (603 – 905 hp). Thanks to a 112-kWh ternary NMC battery, this crossover has a range of 535 – 700 km under CLTC conditions.
However, new electric models from Lotus didn’t become popular in China and internationally. Therefore, Lotus announced a transition into the growing plug-in hybrid segment to boost sales. According to Finance Sina, Lotus CEO Feng Qifeng shared that the brand with British heritage will complete its transformation by 2028. This probably means that by this time, all the Lotus-branded vehicles will have PHEV variants.
Lotus Eletre with PHEV system
The Lotus Eletre performance SUV will most likely become one of the first brand’s models to adopt the plug-in hybrid system. Its PHEV variant was spotted in China during road tests. Despite thick camouflage, the exhaust pipe sitting behind the rear bumper is visible in the photo. The Eletre itself could be easily recognized by a “Lotus” inscription on the back.
The Eletre PHEV aligns with its BEV counterpart in terms of exterior styling. It adopts a floating roof split spoiler, flush door handles, and cameras instead of side-view mirrors. The spotted car rides on blackened ten-spoke 20-inch rims. The most unique feature of the Lotus Eletre PHEV is a fuel door in the rear left fender. The BEV variant of this SUV comes with a charging power cover in the front right fender.
Lotus Eletre PHEV powertrain
It was previously revealed that the Lotus-branded plug-in hybrids will share the same 900V high-voltage system and a mixed range of around 1,100 km. Bearing in mind that Lotus is a Geely-owned company, it will most likely adopt powertrain elements from Horse Powertrain. It is a joint venture between Geely, Renault, and Aramco. This company has recently started manufacturing the DHE20TDE 2-liter turbocharged engine dedicated to PHEV systems. It has a peak power of 205 kW (275 hp) and a thermal efficiency of 46%. Previously, the Zeekr 9X became the first car to adopt this engine.
The Zeekr 9X has an exceptional powertrain, even judging by China’s modern standards. Its entry-level variant has a combination of a 2-liter engine and two electric motors for 660 kW (885 hp). And the top-trim level offers the same ICE with three e-motors for 1,030 kW (1,381 hp). This large 5.2-meter SUV with three rows of seats speeds up to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds. It is available with two battery options for 50 kWh and 70 kWh. The Lotus Eletre PHEV will likely adopt some tech from the flagship model of its sister-brand.
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