Lotus has officially introduced the Lotus Eletre PHEV, marking a major shift in the company’s strategy after initially planning a fully electric lineup by 2028. The new plug-in hybrid variant, known as “Lotus For Me” in China, combines electrification with high-performance engineering. The model will make its public debut in January, followed by a global launch in the first quarter of 2026. With a blend of electric efficiency and petrol-powered strength, the Lotus Eletre PHEV aims to give buyers more flexibility than the existing EV-only version.
Lotus Eletre Phev Powertrain Delivers 952hp And Extreme Acceleration
The Lotus Eletre PHEV has been designed to retain the performance DNA Lotus is known for, but with added hybrid versatility. The SUV uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 70kWh battery pack, making it one of the most powerful PHEVs in its segment.
Powertrain highlights:
- 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine
- 70kWh battery pack supporting front and rear motors
- Total system output of 952hp
- 0–100kph acceleration in a claimed 3.3 seconds
This impressive hybrid setup gives the Eletre PHEV the ability to switch between electric and petrol power or use both simultaneously for maximum performance. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout further enhances grip and responsiveness, making it a high-performance SUV that remains efficient.
Lotus Eletre Phev Range And Fast-charging Capabilities
The Lotus Eletre PHEV stands out for its quick charging and respectable electric-only driving capability. The 70kWh battery offers a CLTC-claimed range of 420km, giving drivers enough electric driving flexibility for daily urban use.
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Charging capabilities:
- DC fast-charging: 30 to 80 percent in just 8 minutes (claimed)
- Optimised battery management for longer life
- Suitable for both long-distance and city driving
The charge speed is one of the key selling points of the Eletre PHEV, allowing short breaks to significantly boost battery levels. This advantage makes long trips convenient while keeping the hybrid system efficient during everyday commutes.
Exterior Upgrades And Design Identity
Although the overall styling of the Lotus Eletre PHEV remains largely similar to the all-electric Eletre, there are subtle visual changes that give the hybrid model its own identity.
Exterior changes include:
- A redesigned and more open front grille
- New alloy wheel patterns
- Exclusive “For Me” badging
- Carbonfibre-style trim on the D-pillars
These updated elements help the PHEV version stand apart without changing the original bold and aerodynamic design language. The aerodynamic profile, large stance, and aggressive styling all remain intact, keeping the SUV true to its sporty character.
Lotus Eletre Phev Interior Features And Premium Comfort
While official images of the interior are yet to be revealed, the cabin of the Lotus Eletre PHEV is expected to mirror the EV variant with only minor updates. Lotus is likely to continue offering a tech-rich and luxurious interior loaded with comfort features.
Expected interior highlights:
- 15.1-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen
- Digital driver’s display and passenger-side screen
- 23-speaker KEF premium sound system
- Heating, cooling, and massage features for all seats
- Soft-close doors and full electrical seat adjustment
- ADAS suite with intelligent safety functions
- Ambient lighting and customizable cabin themes
With these features, the cabin experience is designed to provide both luxury and futuristic technology. The focus remains on comfort for all passengers, making the Eletre PHEV suitable for long drives as well as everyday use.
Lotus Eletre PHEV vs Lotus Eletre EV: What’s different?
Even though the base design philosophy remains the same, the Lotus Eletre PHEV distinguishes itself from the EV version through its drivetrain and performance characteristics.
Key differences:
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain vs fully electric setup
- Slight redesign of the front grille
- Different alloy wheel options
- “For Me” model-specific exterior badges
- Additional cooling requirements for the hybrid system
However, both models share the same platform, technology package, and luxury features, allowing buyers to choose the version that suits their driving style and usage pattern.
Pricing, Variants, And Expected Global Availability
The current Lotus Eletre EV lineup is priced between ₹2.69 crore and ₹3.16 crore (on-road), and the Lotus Eletre PHEV is expected to be positioned competitively within or slightly above this range, depending on market taxes and configurations. With the SUV set for a global launch in 2026, markets like China, Europe, and India are expected to be key targets due to strong demand for premium hybrid SUVs.
Expected variants:
- Eletre PHEV Standard
- Eletre PHEV R
- Eletre PHEV S
These variants will likely mirror the existing EV lineup with different performance and feature packages.
Final Verdict
The Lotus Eletre PHEV represents a major shift for Lotus, blending its performance-focused engineering with hybrid practicality. With 952hp, ultra-fast charging, subtle design enhancements, and a premium feature-rich interior, the model brings a balanced mix of power, luxury, and efficiency. For buyers who want the thrill of a high-performance SUV but aren’t ready to transition fully to electric, the Eletre PHEV is a compelling option worth waiting for when it launches globally in 2026.
