Lotus has introduced an all-new electric sports car as the successor to its iconic Elise. The Lotus EV will launch in 2026 on a new platform developed by the British marque for use in future electric sports cars – and the next. Alpine A110.
Now owned by Chinese parent company Geely, Lotus has confirmed that the new Emira sports car will be its last internal combustion engine model, with every new Lotus following it being fully electric. completely and based on a series of newly developed platforms.
The next new Lotus will be a big SUVs, codenamed ‘Model 132‘, which will be made in China alongside a future four-door GT called the ‘Type 133’ and a mid-size SUV, codenamed Type 134. The all-terrain vehicle will also be the platform. of a more advanced car in the future Alpine paradigm.
However, among the large number of what the brand calls ‘lifestyle’ models that will be based on a platform called Premium Architecture, Lotus has also confirmed plans for an all-electric sports car. , will be manufactured at Hethel HQ using a new platform called E -Sports. This car will debut in 2026 and will be the successor to the all-electric Elise designed to work with the internal combustion engine. Emira.
The teaser image shows a silhouette that closely resembles the Esprit, with the roofline and window lines in a similar shape to that of the brand’s iconic mid-engine supercar, along with a similar nose. Strong, pronounced curves on the front and rear axles are more in line with the brand’s latest performance car design language, inspired by the Evija and Emira electric supercars.
Alongside the trailer, the brand has confirmed that it is working with battery specialist Britishvolt to develop new battery technology that will be key to the vehicle.
This partnership will see the two companies collaborating on the development of next-generation battery packs that will be used in future all-electric Lotus sports cars. The battery technology developed by Britishvolt will be allied with Lotus’ propulsion and powertrain systems, and will likely be fitted to Lotus vehicles based on the E-Sports platform using an electrified rear subframe called the LEVA.
This subframe means that the battery can be placed under the floor of the vehicle or can be stacked vertically behind the passenger compartment, to provide a weight distribution and center of gravity similar to that of a sports car. Typical mid-range petrol.
Lotus CEO Matt Wendle said: “Lotus is delighted to be partnering with Britishvolt to develop new battery cell technology that showcases the incredible performance a Lotus EV sports car can deliver. again. These are exciting first steps on Lotus’ journey towards an all-new electric sports car. ”
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