Joining the e-movement in UK, Lotus Cars has become the latest automaker to commit to an all-electric fleet. Bentley and Jaguar have already announced their movement to an all-electric future, and according to the company the brand will produce all electric cars by the late 2020’s, according to reports from Automotive News Europe.

Lotus Joins The Crowd On The EV Train

Photo: YouTube screenshot

Owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Lotus becomes the latest in a long list of manufacturers to make the move as the industry is making the transition from internal combustion to electric vehicles. As emissions regulations are growing tighter and tighter in major markets like the U.S. and Europe, it’s an obvious step

Customer demand along with recent legislation were factors that impacted the strategy shift. In 2018 Lotus finalized its all-electric strategy after receiving positive customer feedback.

The company is currently upgrading their manufacturing facilities. Based in Hethel, Lotus is expected to increase its annual production capacity to 5,000 - they are expected to build around 1,600 models this year.

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Emira Will Be Last ICE And Evija The First EV

Photo: YouTube screenshot

On July 6, Lotus will unveil the combustion-engine Emira as it launches its newest sales campaign and the model will be their last using an ICE. The first full-electric Lotus will be the Evija, that will be the brand’s halo mode with a second full EV likely to be an SUV styled car - but Lotus has yet to officially disclose its body type.

The Evolution Platform Is The Future

Photo: lotuscars.com

Lotus has developed the premium platform, Evolution, which is expected to arrive within two years. The products off the Evolution non-sports car platform will likely be somewhat different than those coming from Tesla, but are expected to have Porsche be more of a competitor. Other Geely group brands, Volvo, Lynk & CO, Proton and British taxi maker LEVC will be offered the platform, as well as outside customers through the Lotus Engineering, consultancy arm,

Despite competing in a new segment for the brand, the Lotus sporting DNA will be evident in models derived from the Evolution platform. It is expected to be one of the best cars to drive, as well as one of the lightest in its segment, according to the company.

In a joint effort with Renault’s Alpine brand, Lotus has also begun work on an electric sports car platform to produce a successor to the Alpine A110, along with a Lotus version. Expect to see those around 2025/26.

A new Geely plant being built in Wuhan, China will be the manufacturing point for cars built on the electric premium platform.

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