The Lotus Eletre EV is still scheduled to arrive in the US, with deliveries starting in the first quarter of 2025. But the Chinese-made electric SUV is seeing a big price hike due to new US tariffs.
Lotus on Thursday confirmed that it is the launch model of the Eletre Carbon will start at $229,900. The declared value is effective twice what was originally announced-an indication that Lotus is willing to swallow a bit if anything extra 100% values on EVs made in China for the purpose of manufacturing or building US sales.
Lotus Eletre Carbon
At 201 inches long, it's longer than a Range Rover and just 6 inches shorter than a Hummer EV SUV—two cars that cost less—but four-wheel steering should help maneuverability. The standard dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain produces 905 hp and 727 lb-ft of torque. The output, along with an estimated 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph, is classy fare for today's premium-brand EVs.
However, Eletre excels at it 350-kw DC fast charging and claims of 20 minute charging of its large 112-kwh battery pack. The lotus showed the corresponding Fast charging hardware is ready for up to 450 kw in the connector—more than most EVs can handle. EPA range figures are not yet available, but Lotus estimates 254-280 miles on the European WLTP test cycle.
Lotus Eletre Carbon
Lotus, which provided its Elise as the basis for the original Tesla Roadster while Tesla developed the battery and transmission system and more, has been working on a new battery pack platform set to underpin a smaller, lighter sports car a decade later. .
The Lotus Emeya sedan will follow the Eletre, and will face the Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air Sapphire, Tesla Model S Plaid, and others. But based on this re-evaluation of the price may also be unusual.