The all-electric Lotus Evija is a monstrous 2,000 horsepower British hypercar
This is the new Lotus Evija, the first fully-electric British hypercar and the most powerful series production road car ever built.
Just how powerful? Lotus promises an output of 1,972 horsepower (2,000PS) and 1,700 Nm of torque, with targeted 0–62mph acceleration in under three seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Lotus claims that its first ever hypercar is ‘the most dynamically accomplished model ever built’ in its 71-year history. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
According to the manufacturer, Evija means ‘the first in existence’ or ‘the living one’, although in which language we’re not sure. It does, however, fit nicely at the top of Lotus’ current model range of Elise, Exige and Evora models.
The Evija’s powertrain has been developed by technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering. A mid-mounted battery pack – echoing Lotus’ tradition mid-engine mounting – supplies energy directly to four powerful motors, one at each wheel. Lotus claims the highly efficient system is the lightest, most energy-dense electric power package ever fitted to a road car. With a target weight of just 1,680kg, the Evija will be the lightest pure electric hypercar ever to go into series production.
The world’s most powerful automotive drivetrain is joined by the world’s fastest charging battery, which has the ability to accept an 800kW charge and fully replenish in just nine minutes. With five driving modes – Range, City, Tour, Sport and Track – it boasts a pure electric driving range target of 250 miles.
Not only is the Evija the company’s first electric model, but it’s the first completely new car to be launched under the stewardship of the Geely automotive group. Only 130 units will be hand-built, a tribute to the car’s project code, Type 130. Production will begin at the manufacturer’s home of Hethel, Norfolk, during 2020, with each model personalised to the buyer’s exacting specifications.
Powertrain aside, the Evija is a lesson in aerodynamics. It features a dramatic Venturi tunnel through each rear quarter and sculpted underside to optimise downforce. It includes an integrated diffuser, and will act as a design benchmark for a new range of new Lotus performance models to come.
Russell Carr, Design Director, Lotus Cars, said: “We studied how Le Mans race cars use air flow creatively to go over, under and around the vehicle, but also through it. This concept of ‘porosity’ is key to the Evija and has enabled us to create a timeless design with exceptional amounts of downforce.”
There’s also a huge rear spoiler and an F1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS), a bi-plane front splitter and no wing mirrors, replaced by cameras integrated into the wings and roof. And the ride height? A slightly terrifying 105mm. The cabin, meanwhile, features fully adjustable race-style seats and a multi-function steering wheel.
The Evija marks one final landmark, being the first Lotus road car to feature a one-piece carbon-fibre monocoque chassis.
Want one? You’ll need £1.5m-2m excluding taxes for the privilege. Potential buyers can order one now at lotuscars.com, with a £250,000 refundable deposit securing a production slot.
Speaking at the unveiling in London, Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham said: “The Lotus Evija is a car like no other. It will re-establish our brand in the hearts and minds of sports car fans and on the global automotive stage. It will also pave the way for further visionary models.
“This is another amazing moment in the history of our company. The Evija is a true Lotus in every sense – it has been developed with an unwavering passion to push boundaries, to explore new ways of thinking and to apply ground-breaking technologies.”