Lotus has pledged to become an EV-only brand by 2028 and besides expanding the lineup of electric models, it is also focused on developing its own charging solutions. The Geely-owned automaker introduced a new liquid-cooled all-in-one DC charger, offering ultra-fast charging speeds of up to 450 kW.
For better context, the Lotus Eletre R SUV can replenish up to 88.5 miles (142 km) of range in approximately 5 minutes when connected to the 450 kW charger, or 74 miles (120 km) using the 350 kW charger. As for a longer 10% to 80% charge, this can be completed in 20 minutes.
The new charging solutions by Lotus also include a power cabinet and a modular charging terminal, both using liquid-cooling technology. Those units are said to be ideal for motorway rest stops, with the power cabinet offering output capabilities of up to 480 kW, and the charging terminal being able to charge up to four EVs at once, having a maximum current output of 600 Amp.
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Lotus hopes that the quicker charging speeds in combination with an improved charging infrastructure will help its buyers overcome range anxiety. The company promised that its customers will be able to “easily upgrade to this power output [450 kW] without additional hardware costs once in-market service providers rollout grid upgrades”.
The first Lotus-branded ultra-fast chargers have already been deployed in China. In the second quarter of 2024, Lotus will expand its charging network to the Middle East and “the majority of European countries”, while Germany and Austria will follow at a later date. Further market availability will be announced “in due course”.
With its new 450 kW charger, Lotus surpasses Tesla in terms of charging speeds. As a refresher, the current Tesla Superchargers V3 are capable of 250 kW, while the upcoming V4 will increase that number to 350 kW. Note that a super-alliance between seven automakers (BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, and Stellantis) is reportedly working on 350-400 kW chargers with the first stations expected in the US in the summer of 2024.
