It will replace the Elise.
The projected output will be 470 horsepower.
It is expected for 2026.
Lotus has built its brand around “simplify, then add lightness.” While the former part of Lotus’ philosophy might be difficult to achieve, the latter element is one they hold near and dear to their heart. EVs are known to be heavy but Lotus is working on a way to kerb curb weight for its future products.
Lotus Exige Sport 390 Final Edition | Photo: Lotus
Lotus is developing a new E-Sport platform that will underpin all of its future vehicles. It will be based on a lightweight rear subframe that will be used to house batteries and motors. The project is known as LEVA (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture).
According to Autocar, the architecture is 37% lighter than the one that supports the brand’s final ICE car, the Emira. These savings will compensate for the weight of the batteries which can be stacked behind the front seats or stored under the floor for longer cars.
The first car that will be assembled using the E-Sport platform will be the Type 135. This small EV will replace the Elise however it’s unclear if the Type 135 will wear the fabled Lotus car’s name.
Lotus managing director Matt Windle said: “It’s our DNA: dynamics, aerodynamics, lightweighting – that’s what we do on all our products. We still want these to be Lotus products. They are going to have a different propulsion system, but that system comes with benefits as well: instant torque, easier cooling and better packaging, so the first sports car [the Type 135] will have a lot of storage and packaging benefits as well.”
