A new charger is being rolled out
Lotus has revealed that its Emeya has smashed its own record as one of the quickest-charging electric vehicles (EVs) on the public charging network. The test was carried out independently by Lotus Al Ghanim, the official dealer of Lotus in Kuwait and used Lotus’ ultra-fast 450kW DC charger.
Lotus revealed the motor was able to harness nearly the complete capacity of the charger, hitting a peak charging power of 443kW, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 13 minutes and 35 seconds. This was accomplished despite extreme heat conditions in the region, “highlighting the durability, reliability and efficiency of both the car and charger”, the UK manufacturer said.
Lotus said it was “committed to futureproofing its electric cars, so as the charging infrastructure develops, its drivers have the confidence that their vehicles will continue to remain excellent for efficiency and capability”. The Emeya boasts a cell-to-pack battery structure, which means that 20 per cent more cells can be fitted in the same space compared to a standard module architecture.
It also employs a new cooling system architecture that is engineered to enhance the thermal performance and efficiency of the battery. The motor also boasts a state-of-the-art 800-volt charging system, engineered to deliver rapid charging and enhanced efficiency for drivers, regardless of the charger used. This technology is also featured in the Lotus Eletre – the company’s hyper-SUV.
A spokesperson said: “Lotus’ ambition is to make it easier than ever to own an EV by providing drivers with the confidence to complete long-distance journeys and go wherever they need to. With a WLTC energy consumption down to 18.7kWh/100km, Emeya delivers up to 310km of range in 10 minutes. Additionally, the Emeya 2026 model year features a WTLP range of up to 379 miles (610 km).
“Lotus is delivering a fully integrated charging ecosystem, creating a seamless charging experience with the Lotus Cars app and Lotus HyperOS, the award-winning in-car infotainment system in the Eletre and Emeya. It uses intelligent EV routing to help drivers locate nearby public chargers. This feature reduces range anxiety and can significantly cut travel times. The system can also suggest alternative routes based on the driver’s real-time battery consumption – all delivering an optimised Lotus EV driving experience.”
The firm has started introducing its ultra-rapid 450kW DC charger across Europe, beginning in Germany before expanding to other European nations shortly. Traditionally recognised for its sports cars, the Emeya marks Lotus’ debut electric hyper-GT.
