Lotus swaps its all-electric dream for a 952hp Eletre plug-in hybrid

Lotus has made a tactical turn just when we thought this legendary sports car maker was fully committed to the world of electric cars. The company now finds itself reevaluating its aggressive timeline, and the result of this shift is its first hybrid SUV, a powerful new version of the existing Eletre EV crossover, introduced under the name Eletre For-Me.

This is an entirely new chapter for Lotus. The brand initially seemed determined to ditch the gas pump entirely, but it now joins other automakers who realize the transition might need a stepping stone. This "transitional" model isn't a completely new vehicle, but a revised edition of the Eletre EV built to house a new powertrain. Official images released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology confirm that this hybrid maintains the sleek, distinct look of its electric sibling.

Under the familiar bodywork, the Eletre For-Me gets a heart transplant. Lotus pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provides 279 horsepower on its own, with an unspecified electric drive system. Though the final technical details on the battery size and number of motors remain secret, reports indicate a combined output of 952 horsepower. That's slightly more than the most powerful version of the all-electric Eletre R, which tops out at 905 horsepower.

You would need a keen eye to spot the difference between the hybrid and the standard EV. The exterior is unchanged from the EV model, save for one tiny detail: a discreet 'For-Me' badge placed on the decklid. That small nameplate is pretty much the only external clue that this version hides a combustion engine alongside its electric motors.

The dimensions of the hybrid are exactly the same as the fully electric Eletre. This large, sleek SUV stretches 16.7 ft in length, measures 6.63 ft wide, and stands 5.38 ft tall with a generous 9.91 ft wheelbase. Naturally, with the addition of a traditional engine, the weight changes slightly, ranging between 5,677 lb and 5,787 lb depending on the version of the vehicle.

Where this new plug-in hybrid truly shines is in its dual-nature efficiency. The pure electric range alone is useful, with figures sitting between 214 miles and 221 miles under the Chinese CLTC testing cycle. When the system operates as a hybrid, fuel consumption is exceptionally low, hitting as little as 0.0025 ft³ per 62 miles (around 336 miles per gallon) according to WLTC standards.

Once the battery power is gone, the Eletre must rely solely on its combustion engine, and the consumption rises to 0.215 ft³ per 62 miles (roughly 38.6 mpg), which is still respectable for an SUV this size and power. The hybrid models keep Lotus's advanced 900V electrical architecture. This setup supports ultra-fast charging. Lotus claims that the battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just ten minutes.

The Eletre For-Me will first roll out in China, but Lotus has already confirmed plans to bring its new plug-in hybrid lineup to Europe as well. The hybrid Eletre starts a trend that will continue with a plug-in version of the stylish Emeya sedan, which shares the same underpinnings, and another smaller SUV confirmed for release in 2027, proving that Lotus is now committed to a mixed approach rather than an electric-only fleet.

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