Lotus shifts focus to hybrids as electric vehicle sales decline

ABU DHABI: Lotus is now prioritizing high-performance hybrids, naming them "Super Hybrids," alongside its electric models such as the Emeya and Eletre. CEO Feng Qingfeng confirmed this at the Guangzhou Motor Show, highlighting the brand's commitment to top-tier power technologies—be it gasoline, electric, or hybrid. This shift signifies a departure from Lotus's earlier stance against plug-in hybrids.

Lotus has not made any confirmation about which models will get hybrid drivetrains but there are plans that it could upgrade the Emeya sedan, Eletre SUV, and an upcoming rival of Porsche Macan. 

CEO Feng Qingfeng emphasized the brand’s commitment to utilizing the best available powertrains, including electric and hybrid. As demand for range-extender hybrids and plug-in hybrids rises, there is hesitation among luxury car buyers to embrace EVs, preferring powerful ICE engines for the same driving experience.

Due to their compromised drivability, Lotus initially rejected PHEVs requiring daily charging to benefit fully from the electric vehicle element. While the use of electric power has increased with range-extender hybrids, they can become sluggish when the battery is low. To address this, Lotus will come up with faster battery charging with the help of the ICE. The brand is planning to reveal its latest lineup globally.

In the luxury segment, the slow adoption of electric vehicles is due to buyers being satisfied with the internal combustion engine power. Lotus’s shift to hybrids reflects the company's response to evolving customer demands, balancing innovation with tradition. While electric vehicles remain their long-term vision, hybrid tech will now remain their main focus.

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