AUTO

Lotus Transitions to Electric: A Bittersweet Farewell of the 2024 Lotus Emira, Its Final ICE Car

June 7, 2024

British sports car maker Lotus is going fully electric, with one last hurrah.
The 2024 Lotus Emira is the last to use an internal combustion engine (ICE).
Lotus is currently majority owned by Chinese multinational Geely and faces 100% tariffs.

Lotus Group, also known as Lotus Cars, is putting their 75 years of expertise into preparing for an all-electric future. The 2024 Lotus Emira is the latest model from the British sports car maker and the last to use an internal combustion engine (ICE).

2024 Lotus Emira

The Emira, the last ICE Lotus, reinvents the sportscar. The Emira will offer a 3.5-liter V-6 and a 360-hp turbo four. The V6 offers a top speed of 180 mph, with 0-60 at 4.2 seconds.

Meanwhile, the inline-four turbocharged engine brings a top speed of 171 mph and an exciting 0-60 of 4.3 seconds. It offers a six-speed torque converter automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

The Lotus Emira’s price will start at $99,900.

Lotus Emeya Electric Sedan Car

The Lotus Emeya is a groundbreaking 905 hp electric sedan that blends high-performance excitement with eco-luxury features. The car can go from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds, making it one of the world’s fastest electric GTs.

Officially designated by Lotus as a “Hyper GT,” it is a grand tourer with a five-door liftback body style.

Lotus Eletre Electric SUV

The Lotus Eletre is the first high-performance electric SUV from the company. Dual electric motors provide high torque power, generating up to 905 hp (675 kW.) The hyper SUV reaches 0-62 mph in an impressive 2.95 seconds. Its fastest speed is an eye-watering 165 mph, as the world’s fastest dual-motor SUV.

It is powered by a 112 kWh battery pack. It features an 800V high voltage system, achieving a maximum range of 600 km and 400 km of range.

Lotus Evija Electric Car

The Lotus Evija was the brand’s first electric vehicle, powered by a 70 kWh battery pack. Each of four motors is rated at 375 kW (503 hp), for a combined total output of 1,500 kW (2,011 hp) and 1,257 lb⋅ft of torque.

The vehicle will reach a speed from 0 to 62 mph in under 3 seconds. It achieves a limited top speed of 217 mph.

Lotus Is Subject to 100% U.S. Tariffs

In 2017, Chinese multinational Geely took a 51% controlling stake in Lotus. Geely also owns Swedish brands Polestar and Volvo, and all three brands are now facing 100% tariffs levied on China-produced EVs.

Involved in Racing Since 1952

The company was formed in 1952, founded by Colin Chapman. Lotus has been involved in racing, including Formula One, IndyCars, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Indianapolis 500, and more.

Team Lotus won the Formula One World Championship seven times. Notable, history-making Lotus cars include the Lotus Seven, the Elan, the Esprit, and the Elise.