Lotus is now making waves in the electric vehicle market with its groundbreaking model, the Lotus Eletre. Not only is this vehicle the brand’s first foray into all-electric production cars, but it also boasts an impressive array of advanced sensors that could potentially enable it to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
What sets the Lotus Eletre apart is its innovative utilization of multiple LiDARs. Two of these LiDAR sensors are cleverly integrated into the front fenders, automatically deploying whenever necessary. Furthermore, a third LiDAR sensor is positioned on the roof of the vehicle. In addition to LiDAR, Lotus has equipped the Eletre with state-of-the-art radars and high-definition cameras, further enhancing its autonomous driving potential.
Li Bo, the CEO of Lotus Robotics, recently spoke with Autocar about the Eletre’s autonomous capabilities. According to him, the Eletre is already on the verge of achieving Level 3 autonomy, offering extended periods of hands-off operation. Li Bo revealed that the SUV can travel an impressive 124 miles (200 km) before requiring human intervention. While this is an impressive feat, Lotus is aiming for an even more significant milestone. The company envisions the Eletre to be capable of covering an astonishing 62,150 miles (100,000 km) before any human intervention is needed. If achieved, this would effectively place the Eletre at the Level 4 autonomy classification.
Currently, a fleet of Lotus Eletre prototypes is undergoing rigorous autonomous testing on the bustling streets of China. Li Bo emphasized that the self-driving systems implemented in these prototypes are remarkably advanced, as they have the ability to learn an owner’s driving style. This means that the Eletre can adapt its driving behavior to match the preferences of the driver. For instance, a more aggressive driver who tends to brake later and make swift lane changes will find the Eletre accommodating their unique style.
In terms of pricing, the Lotus Eletre will be available in the UK starting at £89,500 ($111,708), which positions it in direct competition with mid-range Porsche Cayenne models. Both the £89,500 variant and the £104,500 ($130,430) Eletre S deliver an impressive 595 horsepower and 524 lb-ft (710 Nm) of torque from their electric powertrains. Moreover, these models boast a remarkable range of up to 373 miles (600 km) on a single charge, and can be swiftly recharged from 10% to 80% capacity in just 20 minutes.
For those seeking even higher performance, the Lotus Eletre R will be an enticing option, starting at £120,000 ($149,777). This exceptional variant offers a staggering 893 horsepower and 727 lb-ft (985 Nm) of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 2.95 seconds. The Eletre R also boasts an impressive range of 304 miles (490 km), further solidifying Lotus’s commitment to delivering electric vehicles that excel in both performance and sustainability.
The Lotus Eletre marks an exciting milestone for the brand, showcasing its dedication to cutting-edge technology and pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving. With its arsenal of advanced sensors and continuous testing, Lotus is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market, paving the way for a future where autonomous driving becomes an integral part of our daily lives.
