Lotus, the renowned British sports car manufacturer, may delay the launch of its highly anticipated Type 135 electric sports car. The reason behind this potential setback is the need for smaller and lighter batteries that will allow the car to embody the spirit of the iconic Lotus Elise. The Type 135 was originally scheduled for release in 2027, with an estimated price of £75,000, as a replacement for the petrol-powered Emira. However, Lotus Group design boss Ben Payne has hinted that the launch could be postponed until next-generation EV technology becomes available.
According to Payne, it is crucial to launch an electric two-seater that stays true to the principles that defined the original Elise because the Elise is the touchstone for Lotus. However, the current constraints of EV hardware, such as taller silhouettes and higher curb weights due to underfloor batteries, make it difficult to recreate the essence of the Elise. Payne explains that the archetype of today’s EVs is larger and higher because it is easier to package the necessary technical elements in that size of vehicle. This poses a challenge for Lotus in producing a sports car that captures the characteristics of the original Elise, which is known for its pure driving experience.
To address this issue, Lotus has developed a dedicated lightweight architecture called ‘E-Sports’ for future electric sports cars, starting with the Type 135. This architecture features a rear subframe structure that is 37% lighter than that of the petrol-powered Emira, allowing the batteries to be stacked in the middle of the chassis. This design enables an electric Lotus sports car to have a low center of gravity and centralized mass for optimal dynamics, similar to the Elise. However, Payne suggests that the advent of lighter and more compact battery technology will be necessary to fully realize this vision.
Solid-state batteries, which are smaller and lighter than conventional technologies, could be the key to achieving a compact silhouette and low weight for a driver-focused sports car. Payne confirms that solid-state batteries enable the physical size to shrink and the mass to come down, allowing Lotus to return to its core values. Founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of reducing everything to the minimum and wrapping the car around it can be realized with lighter and more compact batteries. Recently, British engineering firm Nyobolt showcased high-density battery technology in a concept based on the original Elise. Despite the potential for a delayed launch, Payne remains optimistic that it is possible to ready the car by 2027, considering various business-level factors.
In conclusion, Lotus is faced with the challenge of developing an electric sports car that captures the essence of the iconic Elise. The current limitations of EV technology, such as taller silhouettes and higher curb weights, make it difficult to recreate the driving experience of the Elise. Lotus has designed a lightweight architecture called ‘E-Sports’ to address this issue, but the availability of smaller and lighter batteries is crucial for achieving the desired compact silhouette and low weight. Solid-state batteries hold promise in enabling Lotus to stay true to its core values and deliver a driver-focused sports car. While the launch of the Type 135 may be delayed, Lotus remains committed to creating a car that upholds the legacy of the Elise.