Is the $95,000 Lotus Type 135 EV a True Successor to the Elise? The Inside Scoop!
In the realm of iconic sports cars, Lotus has carved its own unique path with legends like the Elise and Emira. Yet, as the automotive world shifts gears towards electrification, the British marque stands at a pivotal crossroads. The electric hypercar and SUV in their portfolio have already marked Lotus' ambitious entry into the EV domain, but it's their next offering, the Lotus Type 135 electric sports car, that's truly poised to test the waters.
Originally slated for a grand debut alongside a collaborative effort with Alpine, the Lotus Type 135's journey to the fore has seen its fair share of twists and turns. After parting ways with Alpine last year, the Type 135's launch timeline has been nudged to 2027, with an exciting reveal still anticipated in 2025.
At a glance, the Type 135's price tag of $95,000 might prompt a double-take, especially when juxtaposed against the Emira's initial price point. However, it's the broader vision that Lotus harbors for this electrifying sports car that truly intrigues. With projections of selling between 10,000 and 15,000 units annually on a global scale, it's clear that the Type 135 isn't just a car; it's a statement.
The Lotus E-Sports platform underpinning the Type 135 is nothing short of revolutionary. Unveiled in 2021, this bespoke platform is set to accommodate electric sports cars with an agility that harks back to the brand's lightweight legacy. The initial configuration promises a potent combination of a 66.4-kWh battery and a 469-hp motor, while a more robust setup flaunts a 99.6-kWh battery with at least 871 hp at its disposal.
Yet, the shadow of the EV's inherent weight looms large. Can the Type 135 truly embody the lightweight spirit of its predecessors? Lotus assures that considerable strides have been made in this direction. Keyweight-saving initiatives are at the heart of the E-Sports platform, promising an electric sports car that's as nimble as it is powerful.
And the journey doesn't stop here. Before the Type 135 takes the stage, Lotus has plans to tantalize the electric vehicle market with a compact crossover, the Type 134. With most of its EV production rooted in China, Lotus makes an exception for its electric sports cars, pledging to keep their production within the hallowed grounds of Hethel, U.K.
As we edge closer to the unveiling of the Lotus Type 135, the question looms: Will this be the electric sports car that not only lives up to Lotus' storied past but also propels it into a new era? Only time will tell, but for now, the anticipation is electric.