Lotus has announced that its first electric hyper GT, the ‘Emeya,’ has achieved record charging times using public charging networks.
The Emeya can charge from 10% to 80% in just 14 minutes using a 400kW (600A capable) DC ultra-fast charger. This is currently the fastest charging record among electric vehicles. This rapid charge was verified by the P3 Group, a German automotive consulting firm that recently released the ‘2023 Asia P3 Charging Index.’ Test results showed the Emeya was the fastest charging EV, outperforming the Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, Tesla Model Y, Genesis G80 electrified model, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Nio ET5, and BYD Atto 3.
Lotus Cars is leading the charge in enhancing the appeal of electric vehicles by instilling confidence in drivers to go anywhere they need, including over long distances. In this charging test, the Emeya reached a maximum charging power of 402kW and averaged 331kW, showcasing superior figures compared to the maximum charging power of other electric vehicles. Additionally, when taking the WLTC standard efficiency of 18.7kWh/100km into account, the range secured before charging begins allows for a maximum of 310km within 10 minutes and 458km within 20 minutes.
Furthermore, Lotus has adopted a ‘Cell-to-Back’ battery structure to facilitate ultra-fast charging in electric vehicles, accommodating 20% more cells in the same space than standard modular architectures. Alongside this, the Emeya employs a new cooling system architecture designed to enhance battery thermal performance and efficiency.
Lotus is striving to improve the electric vehicle user experience and provide a fully integrated charging ecosystem. This includes developing its own solutions such as an app, charging card, and ultra-fast DC chargers up to 300V. Additionally, by collaborating with Bosch and Mobilize Power Solutions, it supports infrastructure expansion to ensure that consumers can easily and reliably use charging stations wherever they are. Lotus electric vehicle customers can utilize over 700,000 public chargers across 30 European countries, including the UK, through the Bosch charging network. Mobilize helps make home charging locations accessible.
Moreover, Lotus is making efforts to improve the reliability of charging infrastructure through its charging solutions. It has developed a product lineup including ultra-fast 450kW DC chargers, power cabinets, and modular units capable of charging up to four vehicles simultaneously, reflecting advanced 800V charging systems in models like the Emeya and Eletra.
Efforts focused on enhancing the customer charging experience are also notable. This includes support through dedicated charging cards and a smartphone app. With the Lotus charging card, drivers can access charging networks with just a tap, and through the Lotus Car app, they can easily find all information needed for charging. The app allows drivers to check their charging history or remotely monitor the status of the high-voltage battery. Furthermore, the brand’s electric vehicles, such as the Eletra and Emeya, can assist drivers in finding nearby public chargers via the intelligent EV routing of the in-car infotainment system ‘Lotus Hyper OS’, or suggest alternative routes based on real-time battery consumption.
The Emeya is an electric hyper GT model developed in line with Lotus’s vision to become a global high-performance electric vehicle brand by 2028. It sets a new standard in aesthetics and handling for luxury electric vehicles, leveraging Lotus’s expertise in design and engineering technology with sports car-level performance. The Emeya is expected to be delivered to customers in Europe, including the UK, in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the South Korean market, evaluated as a key market alongside Europe, is set for an official unveiling in the second half of this year.
In related news, Kolon Mobility Group, which established Lotus Cars Korea with an official partnership contract last May, is the only official importer of Lotus in Korea and is conducting exclusive distribution. In addition, Kolon Mobility Group is leading comprehensive mobility services by restructuring and expanding its business based on its long history and expertise in premium automotive distribution, launching a new brand called ‘702’ that encompasses all aspects of mobility services.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr