Lotus axes its all-electric plan for 2028

Three years ago, Lotus said the Emira sports car would be its final combustion-engined model as the brand shifts towards an all-electric future. But as global market conditions have changed, so has the British brand's stance on EVs.

Lotus has reversed its plan to go all-electric by 2028 and will instead focus on producing hybrids and extended-range EVs for its upcoming models. The switch-up is Lotus’ response to slowing EV demand in the global market and the luxury segment's resistance to moving into full EVs.

At the 2024 Guangzhou Motor Show, Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng told reporters that the brand is set to develop a “Super Hybrid” technology with ultra-fast plug-in charging that’s paired to a turbocharged combustion engine, promising a total range of over 1000 km.

While the CEO did not specify which models will receive the “Super Hybrid” powertrain, it’s likely to be the Eletre SUV and the Emeya sedan. The two are currently offered as EVs, and the EREV system could appeal to a wider range of customers.

With Geely owning a majority stake in Lotus, the latter can source out its engines from Horse – the engine company that Geely formed in partnership with Renault.

As for its return to building lightweight sports cars, however, we may have to wait and see as Lotus did not make any mention of those when they said they were switching to building hybrids.