Lotus appears to be softening its all-electric ambitions as market trends shift. Not long ago, the British automaker seemed fully committed to an electric-only future.
That plan, however, has been scaled back as global EV demand slows and hybrid powertrains regain popularity. Under the majority ownership of China’s Geely, Lotus is adjusting its strategy, placing its all-electric goals into low gear rather than abandoning them entirely.
The first tangible outcome of this new approach is a plug-in hybrid version of the Eletre SUV. Regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), reported by Autohome, have revealed early details under the codename “For-Me.”
While Lotus will almost certainly change the name before launch, it’s clear that the company is entering the plug-in hybrid arena, starting with its largest and formerly fully electric SUV.
At the heart of the Eletre PHEV is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 279 horsepower, paired with an as-yet undisclosed electric motor setup.
Combined output is rumored to reach an astonishing 952 horsepower, placing the vehicle firmly in the super-SUV category. Acceleration claims suggest a 0-62 mph sprint in roughly three seconds, though Lotus has yet to confirm official figures.
Battery options are expected to include 50 kWh and 70 kWh packs, integrated into a 900-volt electrical architecture shared across other Geely-backed projects.
The combined range from electric and fuel power could exceed 620 miles, offering flexibility for markets where charging infrastructure remains limited.
From the outside, the PHEV closely resembles the fully electric Eletre. Dimensions remain the same, and active aerodynamic features such as a deployable rear spoiler and low drag coefficient are retained. A retractable LiDAR unit is also visible, likely enhancing both airflow and driver-assistance capabilities.
Interior specifics remain scarce, but the Eletre PHEV is expected to maintain the EV’s technology-heavy cabin, featuring large displays, advanced driver aids, and premium materials.
The addition of hybrid components is unlikely to reduce passenger space, thanks to the vehicle’s generous proportions. The Eletre PHEV is expected to make its official debut in January 2026.
Lotus’ “Super Hybrid” strategy indicates that more plug-in models will follow, potentially including the Emeya.
Meanwhile, the Emira will remain purely internal combustion-powered for the time being, serving as a transitional model between Lotus’s traditional lineup and its increasingly hybridized future. Another plug-in hybrid is also reportedly planned to slot below the Eletre in the company’s lineup.
