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Lotus has pulled the covers off its new fully-electric hypercar, the Evija.

 

Only 130 examples of the Evija will be built which will be accompanied by a £1.7 million price tag (around $3 million AUD).

 

A 70kWh lithium-ion battery pack supplied with its management system by Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) sends power to a unique 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.

 

“Four exceptionally compact, extremely light and highly efficient single-speed, helical gear ground planetary gearboxes transfer power to each driveshaft. Measuring a mere 100mm in depth, each gearbox comes packaged with the e-motor and inverter as a single cylindrical Electrical Drive Unit (EDU).”

 

The Chinese owned British marque says its target is to make the Evija the most powerful production car in the world, and as such, outputs in the vicinity of 1470kW (2000hp!) and 1700Nm are expected.

 

In terms of performance, Lotus claims the Evija will accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than three seconds, from 100km/h to 200km/h in under three seconds, and 200km/h to 300km/h in less than four seconds. The top speed will be in excess of 320km/h. So it’s definitely fast enough.

 

It’s also fast to charge, 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. Lotus says it’s the world’s fastest charging battery.

 

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 per cent and 18 mins to 100 per cent. With a full charge, the car’s range is 400km according to the WLTP combined cycle.  

 

The full carbon-fibre bodywork is sculpted to maximise aerodynamics, the ride height is only 105mm. Even the wing mirrors have been given the axe, replaced with pop-out cameras.

 

Active aerodynamics are deployed in the form of a rear spoiler, which elevates from its resting position flush to the upper bodywork, and an F1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS). Both are deployed automatically in Track mode, though can be deployed manually in other modes.

 

The Evija rides on magnesium wheels which are sized 20 and 21 inches at the front and rear respectively. They are shod with Pirelli Trofeo R tyres. Stopping power comes from a forged aluminium AP Racing braking system with carbon-ceramic discs front and rear.

 

On the inside, the driving position is fully adjustable to accommodate the greatest range of occupants, the carbon-fibre shell seats are hand-trimmed in Alcantara, along with a digital instrument cluster which is the cabin’s only display screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Take that Ferrari!

 

The Lotus Evija has been designed and engineered at Lotus’ historic home in Hethel, UK, and production will begin in a new dedicated on-site manufacturing facility during 2020.