Lotus Emira can hybridize and last longer

Lotus Europe CEO says ‘the potential for hybrid systems is here’, opening door to electrification of two-door sports car

Lotus recently abandoned plans to become a fully electric carmaker by 2028 and announced a new “hyperhybrid” powertrain in 2026. Now, a new report suggests that the ICE-powered Emira could also be electrified, extending its lifecycle to the end of the decade.

Emira was launched in 2021 as the successor to the old Evora. It’s billed as the automaker’s last ICE-only vehicle and is expected to last until at least 2027. This was the target date for the debut of the all-electric Lotus Type 135 sports car, which was delayed due to safety concerns. The added weight of the battery.

More info: Lotus Theory 1 concept is a 986-horsepower three-seat electric Esprit

Our colleagues from Autocar asked Lotus Europe CEO Dan Balmer about the prospects of a hybrid Emira that could keep the brand around longer. While Ballmer didn’t give a clear answer, his reply hinted that an electrified Emira is being considered.

“In today’s world ‘never say never’ is the rule right now because we have to stay open to understanding what the market wants and what technologies are available to us at the time,” Ballmer said. “So the potential for hybrid systems is there. Likewise, the potential for an all-electric platform is there. It’s just a question of what technology can meet the attributes that we’ve specified in Lotus.”

Current powertrain options for the Lotus Emira include an AMG-sourced 360-hp or 400-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and a Toyota-sourced 400-hp supercharged 3.5-liter V6.

Judging from the current technology, an electric Emira sounds quite feasible. AMG Powertrain already offers a mild hybrid system in the A35, while a derivative of Toyota’s V6 is already used as part of a self-charging hybrid setup.

While the scope of electrification won’t be as intense as Lotus’ upcoming “hyperhybrid” powertrain, the Emira’s mid-mounted combustion engine’s hybrid assist system could help reduce emissions while improving performance.

There’s currently no firm timetable for the Lotus Emira hybrid’s debut, but an electrified powertrain option could be added to the lineup as part of a mild facelift.