Lotus To Launch EV SUV In 2022, To Be Made In Wuhan

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Lotus To Launch EV SUV In 2022, To Be Made In Wuhan

Lotus has announced that it will launch an EV SUV in 2022, codenamed the Type 132. Three EV models by Lotus will follow the launch of the Lotus Type 132, totaling 4 future EVs for the British-origin brand:
  1. Lotus Type 132, an E-segment SUV (2022)
  2. Lotus Type 133, an E-segment 4-door coupe (2023)
  3. Lotus Type 134, a D-segment SUV (2023)
  4. Lotus Type 135, an EV Sports Car (2026)
*Lotus Type 132 in cover photo

Lotus Premium Architecture

The Lotus premium electric vehicles will be built on the Lotus Premium architecture, one of the four new vehicle platforms announced at the Driving Tomorrow global strategy conference in April.
Lotus Type 133, an E-segment 4-door coupe (2023)
The Premium architecture supports a wheelbase range from 2,889mm-3,100mm and could be further expanded in the future. It supports the development of all types of passenger vehicles from C+ to E segments.
Lotus Type 135, an EV Sports Car (2026)
Using 92-120kWh batteries, it is compatible with the industry’s most advanced 800-volt high-speed EV charging system. Products developed on this platform will be capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in under three seconds.

Lotus and Autonomous driving

Lotus Type 134, a D-segment SUV (2023)
For autonomous driving, Lotus has unveiled the concept of ‘track-level intelligent drive’ as a 10-year technological development target.
The ‘track-level intelligent drive’ aims to assist drivers to perform as well as an F1 driver on track, while increasing driver safety and improving performance on the road through advanced software and hardware.

Lotus manufacturing in China

The new Lotus manufacturing plant in Wuhan will open later this year, complementing existing UK sports car manufacturing and performance facilities in Hethel and Norwich.
It is being built with the world’s most advanced manufacturing technologies to become a global centre of excellence for Lotus’ premium lifestyle models. Covering an area of over 1 million square meters with an investment of over 8 billion RMB (RM 5 billion), the plant has the capacity to ramp up to production of 150,000 vehicles a year.
Lotus Technology has officially launched its global headquarters with a ‘breaking-ground’ ceremony in Wuhan, China.
The new Lotus plant is the first in the world with an integrated intelligent test track. It features an advanced system whereby vehicles can be transported into workshops using autonomous driving technology without any human intervention.
It is designed to accommodate vehicles driving at speeds up to 140mph (230km/h) through 16 corners.

Lotus Technology HQ established in Wuhan

Lotus Technology, a new division of Group Lotus, is a global ‘intelligent technology’ subsidiary which augments the brand’s DNA and technology.
Li Bin, founder of NIO, has also invested in Lotus Technology.
Its role is to accelerate innovation in the fields of batteries and energy management, electric motors, electronic control systems, intelligent driving, intelligent manufacturing and more. The new Lotus Technology headquarters will be completed in 2024.
With the backing and global resources of Geely Holding Group, Lotus benefits from new capabilities in R&D, manufacturing and supply chain management, enabling it to provide global customers with a more innovative and exciting driving experience.
Arif Chan
With a deep interest and relevant experiences in the automotive industry, Arif writes about everything automotive. His employment history includes being an automotive engineer, a highway engineer, an alternative-fuel researcher, and a motoring journalist.