- Lotus Transitions to Electric Vehicle Manufacturing with the Emeya
- Emeya: Lotus’ New Electric ‘Hyper GT’ Model Takes on Tesla and Porsche
- Performance Specs: The Emeya’s Electric Power and Speed in Comparison
“Simplify, then add levity”
This was a famous quote from Lotus founder Colin Chapman, who founded the renowned British company in 1948.
But 75 years later, with the sports car brand now majority-owned by the Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. It is embarking on a very different path as an electric vehicle manufacturer.
Today, it unveiled its third battery-powered model, the Emeya, a four-hour ‘hyper GT’ with nearly 900bhp that will compete with Tesla’s Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S beginning in 2019.
During a glitzy unveiling in New York, Lotus executives verified that the Emeya will be the next model in its all-electric lineup, following in the footsteps of its Evija hypercar and Eletre SUV.
Although little performance information have been confirmed, the manufacturer says it will closely follow its larger SUV sibling.
A 102kWh battery and two motors with 893 horsepower and 985 Nm are expected in the four-door coupe-like grand tourer.
Powered by a rear axle motor and a front motor with a single-speed transmission, this EV is four-wheel-drive.
With F1-style launch control and advanced torque management, the Emeya can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 2.78 seconds.
The top speed is reportedly “more than” 155 mph, but it will likely be limited to prevent owners from depleting the battery at an alarming rate on unrestricted roads, such as the German Autobahn.
Still, Lotus claims it will be “one of the world’s fastest electric GTs.” However, will it? Tesla’s and Porsche’s closest competitors may have something to say about it.
Elon Musk’s American automaker claims the Model S Plaid can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.1 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 200 mph. In contrast, Porsche’s top-of-the-line four-door Taycan Turbo S accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 162 mph.
