Lotus to add X Hybrid technology to Eletre range

Quick look

• With its X Hybrid platform, the Eletre transforms into Europe’s most powerful hybrid SUV, delivering a massive 952 ps with a potential range of over 1,200 kms (with up to 350 kms on just electric power).

• This marks a significant shift in Lotus’ electrification strategy, moving away from an EV-only approach to attract global buyers in markets with developing charging infrastructures.

Hybrid electric vehicle technology, having been used in mass production models since the late 1990s, has matured but advancements still appear as Lotus shows with its new X Hybrid technology that is going into production models this year.

Said to signal the automaker’s shift in its electrification strategy with a new ‘electric-first’ philosophy, this is Europe’s first and only hybrid technology capable of delivering 952 ps, paired with a combined driving range exceeding 1,200 kms with up to 350 kms possible on just electric power.

On sale in Europe mid-2026
The X Hybrid system made its global debut in China within the local‑market SUV known as Lotus FOR ME, which serves as the reference prototype for the technology. It will debut in Europe in the Eletre X in June this year, with the first customers getting their cars before the end of 2026.

The Eletre was launched as a fully electric sportscar in March 2022, and the addition of the X Hybrid platform offers a complementary powertrain with a combustion-based generator. However, Lotus points out that isn’t just a traditional hybrid set-up; Lotus has engineered it to deliver the immediacy of an EV with the long-distance capability required for ‘limitless’ touring.

150 kW combustion generator
The technical heart of the system is an exceptionally powerful 150 kW generator – currently the industry’s most powerful. To put that in perspective, the generator (a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine) alone produces enough energy — up to 25 kWh per hour — to recharge the battery on the move or support heavy power demands during faster driving. This ensures that performance remains consistent even on long journeys when a charging station might not be nearby.

900V architecture
Moving to the next level in electrified technology, the Eletre X has 900V architecture. This allows for very quick charging speeds, claimed to be around 9 minutes from 20% to 80%. That time, of course, depends on the power supply of the DC charger which would need to be very high. The system also has 4 levels of regenerative braking to recover energy during daily driving.

In terms of raw power, the X Hybrid platform has a dual-motor PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) system that produces a combined output of 700 kW (952 ps) and 935. This should take the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds.

‘Electric-first’ operation is a key feature with the X Hybrid. The 70 kWh battery provides an electric-only range of up to 350 kms. With the 52-litre fuel tank, a potential range of 1,200 kms is claimed.

6 operating scenarios
The powertrain is highly adaptable, offering 6 different operating scenarios. The system intelligently switches between pure electric, series hybrid (where the engine acts solely as a range extender), and parallel hybrid modes (where both the engine and motors drive the wheels) to ensure optimum efficiency based on speed and battery charge.

Lotus Tech CEO, Qingfeng Feng, noted that the technology is designed to serve the driver rather than replace them. “Power is nothing without control,” he said, emphasizing that the system provides constant performance and total control in every condition.

Handles like a Lotus
To ensure it still handles like a Lotus, the platform has a 48V active anti-roll bar capable of delivering 1,400 Nm of counter-torque. This system reacts in just 10 ms to keep the SUV flat, targeting a roll angle of less than <1.5°/g.

Aerodynamics also play a key role, with an active rear spoiler that can move into 4 distinct positions. Depending on the driving mode — Aero, Downforce or Braking — it can generate up to 120 kgs of downforce to keep the Eletre locked to the road.

Stopping power is provided by Brembo 6-piston front brakes, which can bring the vehicle from 100 km/h to full stop in just 33.9 metres. The chassis also features dual-chamber air suspension and dual-valve dampers that react in as little as 2 ms to balance comfort with sharp control.

Theory 1 concept previews future Lotus technology