The Automaker That Swore Off Gas Engines Is Building Its Most Powerful Yet

Lotus’s New Powertrain: Hyper Hybrid

Lotus has introduced a new powertrain called the "Hyper Hybrid," featuring an innovative 900-volt electrical architecture. This platform is designed for ultra-fast recharging and combines electric motors with an internal combustion engine, marking a shift from Lotus’s original all-electric strategy to a plug-in hybrid approach. The Hyper Hybrid system aims to deliver exceptional performance and extend the driving range significantly.

Technical Highlights and Performance

The 900V electrical system in the Hyper Hybrid surpasses the common 800V systems found in most electric vehicles today. This allows for a rapid charging capability — achieving 0 to 80% charge in about 10 to 12 minutes on compatible DC fast chargers. The combination of electric motors and a combustion engine powers all four wheels, providing a projected total driving range exceeding 680 miles. Additionally, this system supports “On the Drive” charging, supplying excess power during driving to maintain battery charge during heavy acceleration or in cold conditions, meaning the driver need not worry about rapid battery depletion under demanding circumstances.

Strategic Shift and Vehicle Integration

Lotus has confirmed this new hybrid technology will be incorporated into upcoming vehicles like the Eletre SUV and Emeya sedan, built on the existing Lotus EV platform adapted for hybrid use. This architecture includes space to package the combustion engine, fuel tank, and exhaust system. The company is also extending the production of its Emira sports car with plans to equip future models with a Mercedes-AMG turbocharged four-cylinder engine, maintaining Lotus’s dedication to lightweight, driver-focused performance.

“We will be the first one globally to launch this 900-volt hyper hybrid EV technology,” said Lotus Technology CEO Feng Qingfeng.

Charging Innovation and Range

The advanced 900V system enables extremely fast recharge times, which no current standard charging stations, like Tesla's Supercharger, fully support yet. Under the "On the Drive" system, the vehicle's electric power can be replenished five times faster than typical driving power requirements, allowing seamless, high-performance driving without compromising battery life or range.

Lotus’s development of the Hyper Hybrid powertrain signifies a major evolution in combining electric and combustion technologies to maximize both performance and range without fully committing to an all-electric future. This approach balances innovation with practicality, anticipating stringent emissions rules and customer demands for versatility and power.

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