Lotus Emira May Transition to Hybrid Vehicle

In recent automotive developments, the CEO of Lotus in Europe revealed that the Emira sports car might be introduced as a hybrid version, sparking excitement among car enthusiasts.

Earlier, Lotus had planned to focus exclusively on electric vehicles by 2028, but it recently announced the launch of a new series of hybrid engines called 'Hyper Hybrid,' making the future of Emira more adaptable. Since its introduction in 2021, the Emira has been seen as the successor to the old Evora and is considered Lotus's last vehicle to use an internal combustion engine, expected to last at least until 2027.

However, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the launch of Lotus's new fully electric sports car, Type 135, has been postponed due to concerns over battery weight. CEO Dan Palmer pointed out that the possibility of launching a hybrid Emira could extend the car's market life.

While Palmer did not provide a definitive answer, his remarks suggest that a hybrid version of the Emira is under active consideration. He stated, 'In today's world, we can't say 'no'; we must stay open and understand market demands and the technology available at that time. Therefore, the potential for hybrid powertrains exists, as does the potential for fully electric vehicle platforms.'

Currently, the Lotus Emira offers two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter AMG turbocharged four-cylinder engine with outputs of 360 or 400 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter Toyota turbocharged V6 engine producing 400 horsepower.

Given the available technology, an electric version of the Emira also seems feasible, expected to use the AMG engine available in the A35 with a mild hybrid system, while the Toyota V6 could be part of a self-charging hybrid setup. Although the electric driving range may be limited, Lotus's hybrid systems will help reduce emissions and enhance performance.