With the Eletre X, Lotus presents an uncommon mix of plug-in hybrid, electrical automobile and range-extender idea. We drove the brand new rival to the Porsche Cayenne PHEV.
Lotus was as soon as the model that eliminated weight quite than disguising it. Firm founder Colin Chapman famously preached light-weight engineering like a faith: “Simplify, then add lightness.” The electrical SUV Eletre already stretched that philosophy significantly. Now the Eletre X plug-in hybrid transforms the previous Lotus mantra right into a technological assertion. As a substitute of radical weight discount, the main target shifts to aerodynamic options and complicated engineering. All packaged in a automobile weighing a considerable 2,625 kilograms. Chapman might need raised an eyebrow at such numbers earlier than taking a better look.
As soon as he did, the expertise fanatic might need been impressed. The Eletre X combines a number of drivetrain ideas into one system: an electrical motor on the entrance axle producing 310 kW (421 PS), one other on the rear axle delivering 390 kW (530 PS), a combustion engine on the entrance with 205 kW (279 PS) and a generator able to charging the 70 kWh battery with as much as 150 kW when wanted. This ensures the Eletre X Hybrid retains sturdy efficiency even with a low battery cost. At simply ten per cent state of cost, it nonetheless accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The system is complicated, however the outcomes are spectacular. Mixed output reaches 700 kW (952 PS) with 935 Nm of torque. Whole vary is claimed at 1,258 kilometres, together with as much as 350 kilometres of electrical driving in accordance with the WLTC cycle. A 52-litre gasoline tank ensures the electrified SUV can proceed travelling when the battery runs low.
Vary nervousness due to this fact turns into largely irrelevant. The 900-volt electrical structure permits charging at as much as 430 kW, enabling the battery to cost from 20 to 80 per cent in simply 9 minutes. That lastly makes the often-promised fast charging cease a actuality. Efficiency figures are equally putting. The plug-in hybrid reaches 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a high velocity of 230 km/h.
“The Eletre X is designed for long-distance driving. It’s sporty, however not fairly as centered because the absolutely electrical model,” explains engineer Chong Yok Meng with a smile. “The Eletre X is an SUV on steroids.” Vitality consumption is rated at 21.6 kWh per 100 kilometres alongside 6.1 litres of gasoline.
The drivetrain exhibits how all parts contribute to propulsion. The 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, provided by Aurobay and Horse Powertrain, operates within the Atkinson cycle with a thermal effectivity of 46 per cent. Between 85 km/h and 230 km/h it may drive the entrance wheels straight when required. Engine speeds stay modest: round 2,000 rpm at 100 km/h and roughly 4,600 rpm at high velocity. The engine is linked to a single-speed gearbox and primarily helps effectivity. In most conditions the Eletre X behaves like a pure electrical automobile, with the combustion engine charging the battery or aiding throughout regular cruising.
Throughout acceleration, the all-wheel-drive system sends round 45 per cent of energy to the entrance axle and 55 per cent to the rear. Below lighter throttle inputs the rear axle takes precedence. Drivers can select between three working modes: pure electrical, EV Professional, which prioritises electrical driving, and Hybrid, the place the system mechanically selects probably the most environment friendly technique. For many drivers, the latter will possible be the popular “set it and overlook it” possibility.
Throughout our preliminary drives the Eletre X carried out convincingly. Though the SUV tends in direction of understeer on the restrict, it nonetheless strikes by way of corners at spectacular velocity. Permitting the rear axle extra freedom allows managed drifts on the press of a button. The steering is exact, although extra suggestions could be welcome. An electronically actuated anti-roll system working on a 48-volt community retains physique roll to a minimal in quick corners. Adaptive dampers and two-chamber air suspension stability consolation and sportiness successfully, even absorbing tough surfaces on the take a look at route. 5 ride-height settings can be found, starting from plus 50 millimetres to minus 25 millimetres. Braking efficiency comes from a Brembo system.
Nonetheless, the interplay between the combustion engine and electrical motors couldn’t be absolutely evaluated through the take a look at drive, as our driving was carried out completely in electrical mode.
Aerodynamic particulars guarantee stability at larger speeds. The roof spoiler generates as much as 120 kilograms of downforce, whereas air curtains on the C-pillar and channels behind the rear wheels scale back turbulence and easy airflow. At this level, even Colin Chapman, pioneer of aerodynamic considering, might need appreciated the engineering behind the SUV.
In China the Lotus Eletre X is priced barely beneath the absolutely electrical model. If Lotus follows the identical technique in Europe, pricing in Germany is predicted to start out at round €95,000.
