British sports car maker Lotus, now backed by Chinese auto giant Geely has unveiled its new 2000 hp electric hypercar called Evija (pronounced “e-vi-ya”). This is also the first Lotus model after a gap of nearly 11 years. Only 130 examples of the Evija will be built and they won’t come cheap either, with a price tag surpassing $2 million USD.
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According to Lotus the Evija will boast 1,973 horsepower (1,471 kilowatts), sent via 4 electric motors capable of generating 493 hp (368 kW) each. The power comes from a mid-mount 2,000-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack, and with all four wheels on acceleration duty, the Evija will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds.
Even more surprising is the fact that the Evija needs just another 3 seconds to hit 200 km/h and if you keep the accelerator pedal on the floor, it will hit 300 km/h in less than 9 seconds. Top speed is estimated to be somewhere north of 325 km/h which means this car should be seriously quick and insanely fast.
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Lotus boasts that the Evija is the lightest electric hypercar yet at 1,600 kg. The Evija will also be the first production car to use lasers for headlights. Additionally, to make the car more aerodynamic, it has no mirrors on the doors. Instead, cameras deploy from the front fenders while another camera built into the roof provides a central rear view. The electric motors can also channel power to each wheel as needed for optimum grip and maneuverability. There are 5 different driving modes – range, city, tour, sport, or track – that let Evija adapt to multiple environments.
Lotus says the Evija has a targeted drive range of approximately 400 km in a single charge, but more importantly its battery pack is capable of getting a complete recharge in just 9 minutes. However it requires an 800kW charger, of which none exist just yet. The 350kW chargers are the highest-powered systems currently available, but that can still recharge the Evija to 80% capacity in under 15 minutes .
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Lotus worked with Tesla to create the original Tesla Roadster, which was based on a Lotus sports car. Now owned by Geely and with its support, the automaker has plans to greatly expand its model lineup, which could possibly include a crossover SUV as well. The Evija will be the first entirely new car produced under Geely’s ownership. It will be produced at Lotus’s Hethel headquarters in England beginning next year.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
