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Lotus is going to bring more excitement at next week’s Geneva show by unveiling the Evora 414E Hybrid concept, a high performance technology demonstrator with a plug-in series hybrid drive system.
Evora has 414 PS (408 bhp) of power which enables it to hit 0-96 km/h (60 mph) in less than 4 seconds.
This new hybrid concept by Lotus has a drivetrain consisting of two electric motors, each limited to providing 204 bhp of power and 400 Nm of torque to each of the rear wheels via independent, single speed, reduction transmissions integrated into a single housing. Lotus explains that this layout enables torque vectoring dynamic control of the vehicle.
The batteries used in the system are the latest lithium polymer based with 17 kWH energy storage capacity that can be charged overnight using a conventional domestic mains supply through a socket concealed behind the rear number plate. With zero-emission, the battery has a power range of 56 km (35 miles). Additionally, while traveling long distances, the Lotus Range Extender engine provides 47 bhp of mechanical power converted to electrical energy to load up the battery pack and provides added vehicle range.
Lotus claims that overall, using the Lotus Range Extender is far more energy efficient, weight efficient and cost effective than fitting the vehicle with a larger and more expensive battery. This is because for the majority of short journeys, the bigger battery adds redundant weight and higher energy requirements. Lotus further added that the total lifetime CO2 emissions of its Range Extender vehicle is lower than a full electric car (with a larger battery) of comparable performance and operating range.
