Lotus to launch 'hyper-hybrid' cars with petrol engines and in-motion charging

Lotus has announced a change in its Vision 80 electrification strategy to include new Hyper Hybrid technology with 900-volt architecture. Hybrid models will get a petrol engine, which will greatly expand the capabilities of these cars, including autonomy.

Here's What We Know

According to Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng, future "hyper hybrids" are not just Range Extender electric cars. They will be able to drive solely on a petrol engine in certain cases, such as on motorways, where this approach is more energy efficient.

Features of Hyper Hybrid technology

The key difference from traditional hybrids is the dual charging system. The car is charged not only via an outlet, but also on the move, using the petrol engine as a generator. This allows the battery to be charged at a rate that is five times faster than normal energy consumption while driving. This system guarantees stable electrical performance under all conditions: during rapid acceleration, at high speeds or in extreme cold.

The Hyper Hybrid system will give Lotus cars a combined range of more than 1,100 kilometres. This is significantly more than the current Lotus Eletre electric crossovers offer (409 to 600 kilometres on the WLTP cycle). This means that future Lotuses will boast not only sporty performance, but also practicality for long journeys - much to the delight of those who still doubt the capabilities of modern electric cars.

Source: Carscoops