--- title: "Lotus Is Entering Its Plug-In Hybrid Era" date: "2025-11-30" modified: "2025-11-30" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/lotus-is-entering-its-plug-in-hybrid-era" categories: - "Lotus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Eletre" - "Lotus" - "luxury" - "suv/crossover" --- # Lotus Is Entering Its Plug-In Hybrid Era ![Lotus Eletre rear three-quarter view.]() *\Kyle Cheromcha\* Of all the automakers poised to go fully electric, [Lotus]() was the one that left us scratching our heads the most. EVs today are heavy, and Lotus is supposed to build cars that are light. It's also supposed to build cars that are, well, *cars* and not SUVs, but there's a reason why Lotus's last 15 years haven't been quite as active as, say, Porsche's. Tastes evolve, and brands have to find a way to stay true to tradition while also recognizing that fact. Going entirely electric, though, seemed overboard for Lotus, which is perhaps why the British automaker is starting to walk that commitment back. Early next year, it's expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its [Eletre SUV]() with over 900 horsepower. And after it lands in China first, it'll be sold in Europe in the fall, Group Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng has confirmed via [*Autocar*](). Right now, Lotus is envisioning three plug-in hybrid cars. One will be a smaller SUV that doesn't have a name yet. And they'll all utilize a 900-volt architecture that the company has dubbed "Hyper Hybrid" for allegedly near-instant charging. ![]() ![]() ![]() We don't know anything about the combustion-engine part of the hybrid equation, though it's clear the Eletre has plenty of room to fit one, and Lotus has many partners—not to mention, Geely itself—from which to source a mill. In the big SUV's case, Lotus predicts the entire hybrid setup should be good for 600 miles with a full battery and tank of gas. The existing Eletre EV gives up after around 315 miles. All in all, this is probably a step in the right direction for Lotus. Though I'd be lying if I said that I'm deeply concerned for the company beyond the [Emira's]() continued existence. The Emira must be protected and its safety assured, at all costs. *Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()