952hp Lotus Eletre plug in hybrid unveiled as brand's first PHEV

Lotus has revealed the plug-in hybrid version of the Eletre SUV, dubbed the ‘Lotus for Me’ in China. This development comes just over a year after Lotus backpedalled on its commitment to offer an EV-only model portfolio by 2028. The Lotus Eletre PHEV will make its public debut in January and is set to launch in global markets in the first quarter of 2026.

1. Eletre PHEV packs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 70kWh battery
2. 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds; DC charging time pegged at 8 minutes for 30-80 percent charge
3. PHEV version sports minor cosmetic differences compared to the Eletre EV

Lotus Eletre PHEV powertrain details

4-cyl turbo-petrol engine, 70kWh battery pack, front and rear motors

The Eletre plug-in hybrid uses a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine working in tandem with a 70kWh battery that powers front and rear electric motors. Combined output is pegged at 952hp, with 0-100kph coming up in a claimed 3.3 seconds.

Charges from 30 to 80 percent in 8 minutes (claimed)

Lotus Eletre EV charging port. Image used for representation only.

Thanks to its 70kWh battery, the Eletre PHEV delivers a CLTC-claimed range of 420km, and using a DC fast charger, it can be topped up from 30 to 80 percent in just 8 minutes.

Lotus Eletre

₹2.69 - ₹3.16 Crore (On road price)

Range/Mileage

490 km - 600 km

Specifications

Front Brakes: DiscsRear Brakes: DiscsLength: 5103+ 35 more

Features

Power Windows: Front and RearPower Windows with One Touch-Down: AllPower Windows with One Touch-Up: All+ 99 more

Variants

EVEV REV S

Lotus Eletre PHEV exterior and interior

Largely unchanged from EV version

Image credit: China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)

On the outside, the Eletre PHEV is mostly identical to its all-electric sibling. However, it distinguishes itself from the EV with a redesigned, more open grille, different alloy wheels, ‘For Me’ badging and carbonfibre-like trim on the D-pillars.

Lotus Eletre EV interior. Image used for representation only.

We don’t have images of the Eletre PHEV’s interior yet, but expect similarly small differentiators throughout an otherwise unchanged layout. That means creature comforts such as a 15.1-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen, a digital driver’s display, a passenger screen, a 23-speaker KEF audio system, heating, cooling and massage functions for all seats, electrical adjustment for all seats, soft-close doors, ADAS, ambient lighting, and more.

Lead image credit: China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)