British carmaker Lotus announced an evolution of its Vision 80 electrification strategy during its third-quarter earnings call, introducing a new 900V Hyper Hybrid technology that integrates the benefits of electric vehicles with the range and versatility of internal combustion engines.
Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng, speaking through a translator, clarified the companyâs approach, stating, âThe upcoming hybrids wonât simply be range-extended EVs.â Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, the new vehicles will offer the capability to rely entirely on a gasoline engine under specific scenarios, such as highway driving, where engines operate more efficiently at sustained high speeds.
The new Hyper Hybrid powertrains are designed to ensure seamless performance, a hallmark of the Lotus brand. This is achieved through dual hyper-charging technology, which supports ultra-fast charging both when plugged into a charger and during operation. According to Qingfeng, the gasoline engine will act as a generator in certain conditions, charging the battery at a rate âfive times the power consumption of typical driving.â This innovation is expected to enable “uninterrupted electric performance in any situation, including acceleration at high speeds and in extreme cold weather.”
The combination of an electric powertrain and gasoline engine will extend the range of Lotus vehicles to over 690 miles (1,110 km), significantly surpassing the current range of the fully electric Lotus Eletre, which delivers between 254 and 373 miles (409â600 km) on the WLTP cycle in the UK.
Despite incorporating a gasoline engine, Lotus remains committed to enhancing electric capabilities. The new Hyper Hybrid models will feature ultra-fast charging, with the ability to replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 10 minutes when connected to a compatible charger.
This shift in strategy underscores Lotusâs commitment to blending high-performance engineering with practical solutions to meet the evolving demands of global markets. Further details about the new vehicles are expected to be released closer to their launch.