2023 PEVS: Lotus Cars Manila launches 918-PS Eletre R EV crossover with PhP 9.99M introductory price

While the majority of electric vehicles (EV) sold in the Philippines are reasonably brisk, the model that Lotus Cars Philippines brought in is on a whole other level.

The Autohub Group of Companies, which is the official importer and distributor of Lotus Cars locally, launched the all-new Eletre R crossover at the 2023 Phillippine Electric Vehicle Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The Eletre is the British carmaker’s first-ever EV SUV, with the top-spec R variant among the fastest of its kind in the world. Lotus claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.95 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h.

This supercar-beating performance is achieved by dual motors that produce a combined output of 918 PS and 985 Nm of torque, which are coursed through a 2-speed transmission. This is powered by an 800-volt, 112-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is located under the floor.

“I am so thrilled to unveil the Eletre, an innovative and progressive electric vehicle, especially during such a momentous time in the local electric vehicle landscape,” said Autohub president Willy Tee Ten.

“The 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit was such a stimulating display of the potential of electric vehicles, and I am so glad that Autohub and Lotus were a part of it,” he added. 

An EV like no other

The Lotus Eletre R is packed to the roofliner with performance equipment to keep its immense power under control.

It comes standard with the Lotus Dynamic Handling Pack, which includes Intelligent Active Roll Control and Active Rear Steering. There are also 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires, along with 6-piston front Brembo brakes.

The Eletre features sophisticated multilink suspension front and rear, with components made from lightweight aluminum. The standard dual-chamber air springs enable independent control of ride height and stiffness. 

In addition to comfort and refinement, the active air suspension also provides speed-dependent lowering of the car by up to 25 mm to reduce drag and therefore improve range.

Drivers can also tailor the Eletre’s character to their individual taste by selecting one of the different Drive Modes, either through the central touchscreen or using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

Each Mode subtly alters the vehicle’s settings to deliver a range of different benefits:

• Tour Mode is the default mode and balances driving comfort and energy consumption

• Range Mode reduces the energy consumption of systems like the climate control, optimizes front and rear torque distribution and offers a more progressive accelerator pedal response to increase range

• Sport Mode sharpens the powertrain and chassis response, enhancing drivability and handling

• Off-Road Mode can be used to enhance traction on low-friction surfaces to remove the risk of wheelspin

• Individual Mode allows the driver to choose specific settings for the powertrain, suspension and steering

• Track Mode reduces ride height and powertrain response compared to Sport Mode and also raises the threshold for the electronic stability control system’s intervention, giving the driver more influence over the vehicle’s cornering behavior, making it ideal for spirited driving on a circuit

High-performance safety, convenience tech

To add to the Eletre R’s safety capabilities, it comes with advanced driver assistance systems like:

• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control

• Highway Assist 

• Collision Mitigation Support Front

• Traffic Sign Information

• Door Open Warning

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

• Front Cross Traffic Alert 

• Lane Change Assist 

• Life Detection and Care

• Lane Keep Aid with Lane Departure Warning/Prevention

• Parking Emergency Brake

• Collision Mitigation Support Rear

• Emergency Rescue Call

There’s also a 29-inch head-up display with semi-augmented reality that can overlay contextual graphics onto the view ahead to help the driver keep their eyes on the road. 

Meanwhile, a remote parking function in the smartphone app enables the Eletre owner to maneuver the car into a tight parking space while outside the vehicle, making it possible to fit into spaces that would otherwise be unsuitable.

Fast charging

The Eletre R has a claimed maximum WLTP range of 490 km.

All models feature a 22-kW onboard AC charger as standard. Customers with a 22-kW wallbox at home can charge from 0 to 100 percent in less than six hours.

Customers can also fully control how much to charge using the Lotus smartphone app, which also enables them to set the pre-conditioning function.

While the vehicle is plugged in, it uses grid electricity to heat or cool the battery to the ideal operating temperature and brings the cabin temperature to the customer’s desired setting.

The Eletre R can also be used with 350-kW DC rapid chargers. With this, it takes just 20 minutes to recharge from 10 to 80 percent, while more than 120 km of range can be added in only five minutes.

The intelligent navigation system not only highlights charging stations along your route, but also indicates whether or not these are available.

The Lotus Eletre R is set at a special, introductory price of ₱9,999,000 for a limited time only, with the suggested retail price set at ₱10,499,000. The lower-spec Eletre S will be available soon.

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