Lotus is making the move into plug-in hybrids with the debut of the Eletre X PHEV SUV.
The Eletre X makes its European debut this summer
Launched last week in China as the Lotus for Me, the new model debuts in Europe this summer, joining the fully electric Eletre launched back in 2022.
Targeted at drivers not ready to make the switch to full electric, the Eletre X is based on the brand’s new X Hybrid technology and will set “a new benchmark for electric‑first performance mobility”.
Lotus says the new platform delivers the “immediacy and refinement of an EV with the long‑distance capability of a hybrid drivetrain”. It will switch between pure EV operation, series hybrid where it uses the engine to charge the battery, and parallel hybrid operation.
European specifications are yet to be revealed but the data from the Chinese market version shows that it delivers up to 217 miles (350km) of electric-only driving from the 70kWh battery, along with a total WLTP range of 745 miles (1,200km).
It’s based on a 900V architecture, allowing a 20-80% refill in nine minutes.
The powertrain features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with front and rear motors for a total output of 952hp and 935Nm, enabling 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds.
Full European technical specification, including confirmed outputs, charging performance, WLTP range and chassis configuration, will be confirmed closer to market introduction.
European first deliveries of the Eletre X are expected in Q4 2026, with the UK shortly afterwards.
