Iconic British sportscar brand Lotus has finally abandoned its mission to be an exclusive electric vehicle maker with the launch of its hybrid-dominated business strategy.
The automaker, owned by the Geely Holding Group, has launched its Focus 2030 plan and published a teaser image of the new Type 135 1,000+hp V8 hybrid in its May 12 release.
The company’s new plan effectively scraps its 2018 “Vision80” strategy to turn Lotus into an exclusive EV manufacturer by 2028, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first race car built by founder Colin Chapman.
Lotus now is promoting a “multi-powertrain strategy” that “marks a significant reset for the brand,” the company said in its published statement.
The move reacts to differing regulatory and consumer environments it said are evolving globally at different speeds.
To meet these demands Lotus will continue to offer internal-combustion-engine powertrains together with plug-in hybrid and EV solutions. It expects a production output volume mix of about 60% for PHEV and 40% EV in the short term “and a customer-led transition to full electrification,” its statement added.
“Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business to keep us true to our DNA,” said Lotus CEO Qingfeng Feng in the statement. “We are obsessed with engineering, obsessed with performance and obsessed with building drivers’ cars, and that is what will grow this business,” he added.
The company hopes to target different powertrains for its diverse markets with EVs aimed at China, where it sees a strong demand for premium new energy vehicles (NEV).
In Europe, Lotus expects to build on its racing heritage and British engineering to market the full suite of powertrain options.
“We are committed to giving Lotus the resources it deserves to compete at the highest level,” said Daniel Li, chairman of Lotus Technology and executive vice chairman of Geely. “What Lotus brings is irreplaceable, and Focus 2030 is proof that we take that responsibility seriously. We are excited for the next chapter in the brand’s story.”
Meanwhile, its planned Type 135 is scheduled for market deliveries by 2028 and is expected to be manufactured in a production plant in Europe.
It will be powered by a version of Lotus’ proprietary X-Hybrid technology first seen on the Eletre SUV. Customer deliveries in Europe are expected to begin in Q4 2026, making it the first technology of its kind to come to market.
Technical details of the Electre X’s X-Hybrid include a 900V powertrain architecture and up to 952PS and 935 Nm of torque.
It claims an EV-only range of up to 350 km (218 miles) and a combined range of more than 1,200 km, without refueling or charging, with a 0-to-100 km mph sprint time of 3.3 seconds when not in power-saving mode. The 70 kWh battery can charge from 20% to 80% in 9 minutes, according to Lotus.
The X-Hybrid system also features a 48-volt active anti-roll system, dual-chamber air suspension with dual-valve dampers and six-piston Brembo brakes keep the chassis in check.
