Lotus, the British automaker known for its sports cars, has unveiled a new electric sedan that aims to compete with Porsche on speed, tech and luxury. The Lotus Emeya is a four-door grand tourer that can accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour in under 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The company says the Emeya is part of its plan to transform into a global performance brand by 2028.
A Flagship Vehicle for a New Era
The Lotus Emeya was revealed on Thursday evening in New York City, as the company prepares to make its debut on the Nasdaq public exchange. Lotus, which is owned by China’s Geely, is going public via a merger with special purpose acquisition company L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp. The merger is expected to close by the end of the year.
A successful public debut would be the accelerant in Lotus’ plans to scale production and sell some 150,000 vehicles a year by 2028. That’s a huge feat considering Lotus has produced a fraction of that amount on an annual basis over its 75 years of existence.
The company has already made progress towards that goal. The company said that as of June 30, it had received 17,000 orders for its battery-electric Eletre SUV and mid-engine Emira sports car. The Eletre, the company’s first all-electric vehicle, is produced at a factory in Wuhan, China. Deliveries began in March.
The Emeya, which is expected to go into production in 2024, will also be produced at the Wuhan factory.
A Super Speedy EV Sedan with High-Tech Features
The Lotus Emeya is designed to impress with its performance and features. The dual-motor grand tourer has a battery that can fast charge at 350 kW DC, adding 93 miles of range in five minutes and reaching an 80% charge within 18 minutes. The company did not give specifics on the vehicle’s battery range, but said it would be in line with the Eletre, which has an estimated range of 373 miles using the European WLTP cycle.
The Emeya also boasts an aerodynamic design, an electronically controlled air suspension system that adjusts to the road conditions, and a projected augmented reality head-up display that spans 55 inches. The interior is luxurious, with an immersive audio system developed with KEF and a large central infotainment screen.
The Emeya is fast enough to rival the likes of Porsche’s all-electric Taycan Turbo S, the Lucid Air and the Tesla Model S Plaid. The company says the Emeya is not just a car, but an experience that will appeal to drivers who appreciate speed, style and sophistication.
A Born British, Raised Globally Brand
Lotus says the Emeya is a reflection of its identity as a “born British, raised globally” brand. The name Emeya means “beautiful” in Sanskrit, and the car features elements of both British and Chinese culture. For instance, the front grille has a lotus flower motif that resembles a Chinese fan, while the rear lights are inspired by the Union Jack flag.
The company says the Emeya is also a tribute to its founder Colin Chapman, who envisioned Lotus as a global brand that could innovate and excel in different markets. The company says it will continue to honor Chapman’s legacy by creating cars that are “for the drivers”.