What's all this about?
These days you're nobody unless you're releasing an electric hypercar with astronomical performance figures, and Lotus isn't planning on being left behind - so say hello to the Evija. In case you were wondering, it's pronounced ev-eye-ahh.
So what is it exactly?
The Lotus Evija marks a new chapter for the company and shows just how serious it, and parent company Geely, are about its future. Under that shrink-wrapped bodywork is just what you'd expect to find in any of the latest hypercars. The two-seater design houses a mid-mounted battery that has been co-developed by Williams Advanced Engineering. It's a 2,000kW unit and has a design that will make changes to it down the line a relatively simple task. So if owners want to install a higher performance battery pack for track days, it can be done.
How much power will it have?
Although we've yet to see one in action, Lotus is claiming that the Evija will have a target power output of 2,000hp and 1,700Nm of torque. That should be good enough for a top speed of more than 200mph and a 0-62mph dash in less than three seconds. And being electric it should also have phenomenal levels of acceleration at any other rate too.
That power delivery comes from the battery through four e-motors located at each wheel. Designed and engineered by Integral Powertrain Ltd, these compact units will each produce 500hp. They consist of a silicon carbide inverter and epicyclic transmission that send power to the drive shaft. The gearbox is part of the motor and measures 100mm in depth. Each motor can be powered individually, making the possibility of advanced torque vectoring through two, three or all four e-motors.
What about driving range?
Even though it will be capable of rapid performance, Lotus is predicting that the Evija will have a total driving range of 250 miles from a single charge. Five driving modes will help that as there is a Range mode as well as City, Tour, Sport and Track. The battery pack will be capable of accepting an 800kW charge when such units become available. That means it would be possible to fully replenish the battery in nine minutes. In the meantime, it will be possible to use up to 350kW chargers meaning a full charge can be done in 18 minutes, with a top-up to 80 per cent in 12 minutes. Its CCS2 charging socket sits behind a vented flap at the rear of the car.
What else is it made of?
The car is built around a single-piece carbon-fibre monocoque chassis that is produced by CPC in Modena, which is one of the world's most renowned composite companies. In total, the tub weighs just 129kg and it is also the first Lotus road car to use such a construction. That lightness contributes to an impressive overall weight of just 1,680kg.
Every part of the exterior bodywork is also fabricated from carbon fibre, which helped in creating such an elaborate design. Its shape took inspiration from the world of aeronautics and endurance racers. It's clear to see the airflow around and through the car is done to maximise its aerodynamics and generate vast amounts of downforce at higher speeds. To keep its aerodynamics as clean as possible, the car also uses cameras integrated into the front wings, rather than traditional door mirrors. These are displayed inside the cabin on small screens in addition to a third display for the rear-facing camera.
One of the most noticeable features is how air is funnelled through the sides and out through the rear of the car. Doing this creates a Venturi effect that accelerates the airflow pushing it out of the back of the vehicle and counteracting the low pressure area that usually develops there. Where the air exits the car is surrounded by red LED rear lights, adding to the overall visual impact.
How do you get one?
Prospective buyers can place an order through a dedicated website, though production is strictly limited to 130 units, so if you want one you'd better hurry up. Lotus is only making 130 units as a nod to this being the Type 130 - the consecutive internal naming system given to each model the company makes. To guarantee your slot, you'll have to hand over a £250,000 deposit, while the total price is a mere £1,700,000 plus taxes.
Dave Humphreys - 17 Jul 2019
