New Lotus E-Sports Platform Will Underpin Elise And Evora EV Successors

Lotus has revealed the all-new E-Sports platform, a modular, lightweight and EV-dedicated architecture that will underpin its future sportscar range.

With the Emira being Lotus’ last ICE-powered sportscar, the development for the fully electric successors of the Elise, Exige, and Evora is already well underway.

The electric architecture was developed through Project LEVA and it is 37% lighter compared to that of the Emira V6. At the same time, it supports multiple layouts for the e-motors, different battery capacities, and wheelbase lengths. This is made possible thanks to the multiple interchangeable components of the die-cast rear subframe.

The wheelbase will measure a minimum of 2,470 mm (97.2 inches) for the shorter variant of the upcoming two-seater sports car and it will exceed 2,650 mm (104.3 inches) for the longer two-seater and the 2+2 model.

The entry-level version of the new two-seater model will be fitted with a single motor producing 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS), and a 66.4 kWh 8-module battery. The longer and more powerful variant will feature a twin-motor producing up to 872 hp (650 kW / 884 PS), and a larger 99.6 kWh 12-module battery pack. In both two-seater models, the battery modules will be stacked between the seats – in a “chest configuration”, according to Lotus.

The 2+2 electric model will be available in both single and twin-motor configurations, but only with the smaller 66.4 kWh 8-module battery. This time though the battery pack will be mounted within the floor, allowing room for an extra pair of seats. Lotus suggests that this layout is more suitable for vehicles with higher ride heights and a taller overall profile.

The first model to use the new E-Sports architecture will be the two-seater Type 135, expected for a 2026 launch. All future sportscars bearing the Lotus name are going to be produced in Hethel, UK, with the upcoming SUVs and sedans to be produced in its new factory in Wuhan, China.

Lotus Engineering will also offer its new platform to other companies, including Alpine which was a development partner and will present its own electric sportscar. The E-Sports architecture will be showcased at the Low Carbon Vehicle event staged by Cenex, at Millbrook Proving Ground, UK, on September 22 and 23.

See Also: Lotus Teases Four New EV Models, Including Three SUVs And A Sportscar

As a reminder, Lotus has also announced the Premium architecture, another EV-specific platform reserved for the upcoming C-Segment and E-Segment vehicles. This one will support wheelbase lengths from 2,889 mm (113.7 inches) to 3,100 mm (122 inches) and above, using 92-120 kWh batteries.