Lotus is equipping the Eletre, the brand's first SUV, with a high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Details of the "Eletre PHEV" were recently revealed through certification documents from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), showing the vehicle will feature a powerful system called "Hyper Hybrid."
According to the documents, the Eletre PHEV shares its core powertrain with the 9X, a luxury SUV from Zeekr, a fellow brand under the Geely Group. The battery will also be replaced with the 70kWh unit used in the Zeekr 9X.
While specific performance specifications for the hybrid-tuned Eletre have not been disclosed, expectations are high as the Zeekr 9X, which uses the same powertrain, boasts a combined output of 1,381 horsepower from three electric motors. Lotus has previously stated that its self-developed Hyper Hybrid system would produce approximately 912 horsepower, but based on the Zeekr 9X, higher output levels may be achievable in the actual production model.
The system enables a maximum pure electric driving range of up to 220 miles (approximately 354 km) under China's CLTC standard. While the figure would be lower under European WLTP standards, it remains sufficient for everyday urban driving. Additionally, the vehicle supports charging speeds exceeding 400kW, positioning it to claim the title of "fastest-charging PHEV" in global markets including the United Kingdom. For reference, the 9X requires 8 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.
Vehicle weight is expected to range between 2,575 kg and 2,625 kg depending on trim and options. This maintains a level similar to the existing pure electric model, as the reduced battery capacity is offset by the addition of an internal combustion engine.
The introduction of this PHEV model signals a significant revision to Lotus's electrification strategy. The company had originally declared it would become a 100% pure electric vehicle brand by 2028, but changed course after sales of electric models including the Eletre and Emeya fell short of expectations.
"Hybrid models will drive sales in regions where EV adoption is slower, such as Italy and Saudi Arabia," Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng said, explaining the rationale behind the strategy shift.
Lotus plans to officially unveil the Eletre PHEV in January and begin sales in the UK market next autumn.
