Philippine Lotus distributor Autohub took its covers off its purely electric Eletre R SUV in its booth at the 11th Electric Vehicle Summit in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, bringing ultra high performance in electrified mobility in a family-centric package.
“This launch marks another milestone in the partnership of Autohub Group and Lotus. I am so thrilled to unveil the Eletre, an innovative and progressive electric vehicle, especially during such a momentous time in the local electric vehicle landscape. The 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit was such a stimulating display of the potential of electric vehicles, and I am so glad that Autohub and Lotus were a part of it,” Autohub President Willy Tee Ten said.
While the Eletre diverts itself from its sports car brethren thanks to its SUV proportions, the brand’s know-how in chassis engineering, combined with its electric powertrain expertise, allows the Eletre to achieve performance figures akin to a supercar, while delivering comfort, high range, safety, and convenience.
Powered by two electric motors, the Eletre (and Eletre S) produce a whopping 603 horsepower and 710Nm of torque, catapluting from zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 258 km/h. This particular launch model, the Eletre R, produces a mind-boggling 905hp and 985Nm of torque, which allows it to sprint to 60 in 2.95 seconds and reach a top speed of 265 km/h. Providing the necessary charge for all models is an 800 volt 11kWh battery pack, which can reach 490km of range for the Eletre R, and 600km for the lower models.
To handle the massive power, multi-link suspension has been fitted on the front and rear, and dual chamber air springs with continuously variable dampers ensure a soft and supple ride. Large disc brakes front and back, with 6 piston calipers give the Eletre stopping power, and sits on 22 inch forged wheels on Pirelli P Zero rubber. The Eletre R also gets active rear steering and active roll control.
Charging the Eletre only takes 5.8 hours from zero to 100% charge using a 22kW AC charger, but opt for the more powerful 350kW DC charger and it will charge the Eletre from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes.
The design of the Eletre is inspired by the Evija hypercar and the Emira sports car, combining curvaceous lines that is uniquely Lotus with aerodynamics, harnessing the air to get the most out of every joule. It measures 5130mm long, 2135mm wide, and 1630mm tall, allowing the Eletre to have a high enough ground clearance of 194mm.
Greeting the driver and passenger as they step in the Eletre is a digital cockpit, with a 15.1 inch touchscreen with high fidelity graphics, thanks to Unreal Engine built into the console. 5G connectivity is also included, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a wireless charging pad. Leather and suede abound the interior of the Eletre, from the seats to the trim of the interior. The glass panoramic sunroof can be adjusted with 10 different settings – including the ability to make it opaque.
A choice of two audio systems developed with KEF are available, with KEF Premium – a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker, surround sound system, and KEF Reference, a 2,160-watt 23-speaker system featuring 3D surround sound and space-saving Uni-Core™ technology. To enhance depth, precision and clarity, both systems are combined with Dolby Atmos, allowing for a three-dimensional surround sound experience.
Behind the steering wheel is a 12.6 OLED display supplemented with a 29 inch heads up display, showing the driver the info from the projected LiDAR scanners around the car to give the driver the information needed while keeping the eyes on the road. ADAS (advanced driver assist systems) are also available as standard, with 34 sensors plus the aforementioned four LiDAR scanners, 8 HD cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, giving a 360 degree view of what is going on around the car.
All of these will cost you Php10,499,000 for the Eletre R, but Lotus offers a special introductory price of Php9,999,000. The base Eletre and Eletre S will come to the local shores as a much later date. The Eletre comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, while the batteries come with an 8-year warranty.
