2020 Lotus Evija

At first known only by its Lotus Type number - Type 130 - the car has been christened the Lotus Evija (pronounced 'E-vi-ya'). As a name it is derived from variations of Eve, and means 'the first in existence' or 'the living one'. It is highly appropriate; Lotus has an unquestionable reputation for its pioneering approach in both automotive and motorsport.

As the first all-electric British hypercar, the Lotus Evija continues that story of innovation. It also signals the start of an exciting new chapter for Lotus under the stewardship of Geely, the fastest growing automotive group in the world.

A stunning exterior inspired by nature

The most striking element of the Lotus Evija is its exterior. From every angle the full carbon fibre bodywork is stretched taut, appearing shrink-wrapped over the mechanical components. Crouching low to the ground, with a ride height of just 105 mm, the pronounced muscular haunches envelop the teardrop cabin that sinks between them.

Taking inspiration from the aeronautics industry, the exterior is a perfectly proportioned blend of fluid forms and crisp lines. This is clearly illustrated by the gently curved but sharp leading edge of the bonnet, which is reminiscent of so many classic Lotus road and race cars.

Advanced pure EV powertrain means record-breaking power

With target figures of 2,000 PS of power and 1,700 Nm of torque, the Lotus Evija is the world's most powerful production road car. Key to that exceptional power output is the 2,000 kW lithium-ion battery, supplied with its management system by Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as part of a joint venture with Lotus to collaborate on advanced propulsion technologies. WAE won a 2018 Queen's Award for Enterprise for translating its EV expertise from the race track to road-going vehicles.

The battery pack is mounted centrally behind the passenger compartment, and its cover is visible through the glass rear screen. This positioning delivers significant advantages in terms of styling, aerodynamics, packaging, weight distribution, occupant comfort and dynamic handling. It also supports fast and convenient servicing and maintenance. Furthermore, the set-up has been designed so that in the future alternative battery packs - for example, to optimise track performance - can be easily installed.

Power is fed from the battery pack to a bespoke in-line axial arrangement of two high-power density e-motors. These feature integrated silicon carbide inverters and epicyclic transmission on each axle of the four-wheel drive powertrain. The motors and inverters being supplied by Integral Powertrain Ltd.

A revolution in charging

Not only does the Lotus Evija feature the world's most powerful automotive drivetrain, it also boasts the world's fastest charging battery. Thanks to the partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering, the battery has the ability to accept an 800kW charge. Although charging units capable of delivering this are not yet commercially available, when they are it will be possible to fully replenish the battery in just nine minutes.

Using existing charging technology - such as a 350kW unit, which is currently the most powerful available - the Evija's charge time will be 12 mins to 80% and 18 mins to 100%. The car's range is 250 miles (400 km) on the WLTP Combined Cycle, or 270 miles on the NEDC Combined Cycle. Lotus is in discussions with external suppliers on a charging solution for customers.

The CCS2 charging socket is hidden behind a vented flap at the rear of the car. In the same location is a small plaque, reminding customers of the Britishness of the Evija.