Case Study
Prove a lightweight sports car can adopt hybrid technology
Problem
Integrate hybrid powertrain without compromising sports car appeal
- Packaging a range extender and battery with existing chassis and body
- Maintain core Lotus characteristics of weight efficiency and dynamics
- Integration and controls of complex series hybrid powertrain
Approach
Rethink powertrain and packaging to deliver required attributes
- Develop dedicated 3-cylinder multi-fuel range extender – compact, held in optimum RPM range, low mass
- Intelligent packaging yielded 37:63 weight distribution – near-identical to 38:62 for Evora S
- Add torque vectoring and switchable simulated paddleshift for more driver engagement
Outcome
Successfully pioneer range extender hybrid technology in a sports car
- Efficiency and high performance – 1000 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, 60 g/km CO2, 30 miles EV-only range
- “The Lotus Evora 414E proves that electric cars needn’t be boring. It handles superbly, with well weighted steering and impressive linear acceleration” – Auto Express
- “The integration and feel is expertly balanced” – Pistonheads
