Lotus has officially announced plans to release a plug-in hybrid version of the Emira sports car, along with an upgrade to the V6 model as part of a facelift to meet the Euro 7 emissions regulations set to take effect in 2027.
CEO Feng Qingfeng shared this exciting news with analysts during the company’s second-quarter results call. The new Emira model will feature the innovative ‘Hyper Hybrid’ technology that is also expected to be introduced in the upcoming Eletre SUV. This move marks a significant step towards incorporating more sustainable and environmentally friendly options into Lotus’s lineup.
Unfortunately, it seems that the current four-cylinder Emira Turbo, which is powered by a Mercedes-AMG engine, may be discontinued due to the upcoming EU7 regulations. The Emira V6, which utilizes a Toyota engine, is also facing challenges meeting the new emission standards. As a result, Lotus is looking to integrate PHEV technology into the Emira to comply with the regulations.
The decision to include PHEV technology in the Emira is part of a broader collaboration between Lotus Technology in China and Lotus Cars in the UK, with a specific focus on enhancing the performance of sports cars.
While there have been recent reports of job cuts at Lotus, Feng did not address this during the call. Instead, he emphasized the efficiencies that will be gained by combining Lotus Technology with Lotus Cars. This integration is expected to streamline operations and drive synergies between the two divisions.
Feng reiterated his commitment to the UK operations, dispelling rumors of production moving out of the country. He expressed optimism about the future of Lotus Cars, emphasizing a focus on high-performance attributes and engineering services.
The announcement of the updated Emira model comes as a relief to employees at the Hethel production plant in Norfolk. Sales of the Emira had suffered after the US imposed higher import tariffs, leading to a significant drop in deliveries. However, exports to the US have since resumed following negotiations that resulted in a reduction of tariffs.
Despite facing challenges in the first half of the year, with a net loss of $313 million, Lotus remains optimistic about its future prospects. The company is committed to delivering high-performance vehicles while embracing sustainable technologies to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
