Lotus has unveiled the Evija, the world’s first all-electric British hypercar and the most powerful and dynamically accomplished road car in the history of the sports car maker. The most powerful series production road car ever built offers unparalleled performance and a target power output of 2,000 PS. It has been designed and engineered in the UK, and all 130 models will be produced at Hethel, UK, the home of Lotus since 1966.
The name Evija, that means ‘the first in existence’, is highly appropriate, as it marks the start of an exciting new chapter in the history of British sports car brand. It is the first hypercar from Lotus, and the company’s first model with an electrified powertrain.
The Evija is the first Lotus road car to feature a one-piece carbon fibre monocoque chassis. Moulded as a single piece for exceptional strength, rigidity and safety, the full length of the underside is sculpted to optimise downforce. It includes an integrated air diffuser which extends from under the B-pillars to the rear. Inspired by the aeronautics industry, the exterior balances fluid forms and crisp lines and is also exceptionally efficient on every level. The most dramatic element of the design is the Venturi tunnel which pierces each rear quarter. Inspired by Le Mans race cars, they optimise air flow by directing it through the bodyshell.
The interior is inspired by the technical precision of race car engineering. The key element inside is the ‘floating wing’ dashboard which can be seen from outside through the windscreen. Access to the cabin is through the two dihedral doors. Handle-free to preserve the sculpted exterior, they’re operated via the key fob.
Evija draws power from an ultra-advanced all-electric powertrain that was developed by technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering. The battery pack is mid-mounted immediately behind the two seats and supplies energy directly to four powerful e-motors. This highly efficient system is the lightest, most energy dense, electric power package ever fitted to a road car. With a target weight of just 1,680 kg, it will be the lightest pure electric hypercar ever to go into series production.
Boasting five driving modes – Range, City, Tour, Sport and Track, the hypercar can race from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in under three seconds and accelerate to a top speed of more than 200 mph (0-320 km/h).
Lotus has confirmed production of the Evija will begin during 2020. The world’s first all-electric British hypercar is priced from $2.1 million.