Lotus has revealed the plug-in hybrid version of the Eletre SUV, dubbed the ‘Lotus for Me’ in China. This development comes just over a year after Lotus backpedalled on its commitment to offer an EV-only model portfolio by 2028. The Lotus Eletre PHEV will make its public debut in January and is set to launch in global markets in the first quarter of 2026.
- Eletre PHEV packs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 70kWh battery
- 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds; DC charging time pegged at 8 minutes for 30-80 percent charge
- PHEV version sports minor cosmetic differences compared to the Eletre EV
Lotus Eletre PHEV powertrain details
4-cyl turbo-petrol engine, 70kWh battery pack, front and rear motors
The Eletre plug-in hybrid uses a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine working in tandem with a 70kWh battery that powers front and rear electric motors. Combined output is pegged at 952hp, with 0-100kph coming up in a claimed 3.3 seconds.
Charges from 30 to 80 percent in 8 minutes (claimed)
Thanks to its 70kWh battery, the Eletre PHEV delivers a CLTC-claimed range of 420km, and using a DC fast charger, it can be topped up from 30 to 80 percent in just 8 minutes.
Lotus Eletre PHEV exterior and interior
Largely unchanged from EV version
On the outside, the Eletre PHEV is mostly identical to its all-electric sibling. However, it distinguishes itself from the EV with a redesigned, more open grille, different alloy wheels, ‘For Me’ badging and carbonfibre-like trim on the D-pillars.
We don’t have images of the Eletre PHEV’s interior yet, but expect similarly small differentiators throughout an otherwise unchanged layout. That means creature comforts such as a 15.1-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen, a digital driver’s display, a passenger screen, a 23-speaker KEF audio system, heating, cooling and massage functions for all seats, electrical adjustment for all seats, soft-close doors, ADAS, ambient lighting, and more.
Lead image credit: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
