The new structure also allows for different battery layouts for different types of car. A “chest” of cells behind the two seats is the “mid-engined” solution for sports cars. The more common “skateboard” layout, with a slab of batteries under the floor, is proposed for larger cars like the 2+2 that Lotus alludes to.
LEVA cars will be built at Hethel, Norfolk, suggesting that other confirmed future Lotus models like the SUV and the four-door coupe, both of which will be built in China, will use a different structure. In fact, Lotus says the E-Sports architecture is one of four Lotus-developed chassis that will underpin future models.
The first time we will see an LEVA Lotus will be in 2026 when the firm is due to release its first all-electric sports car, the two-seat Type 135. The entry version of this new sports car – the first electric Elise if you like – will have a wheelbase of 2470mm, battery capacity of 66kWh and a single rear motor providing 469PS (350kW), according to Lotus figures.