Lotus position with Centrica to redesign EV ownership

A new model of integrating connected vehicles, homes and customers is being developed by car manufacturer Lotus and British Gas parent company Centrica.

The partnership will help establish a global charging and energy infrastructure for new products as part of Lotus’ journey to net-zero carbon.

By making the car an extension of the home, capable of storing electricity, minimising emissions and generating new income by providing services to the energy market, the companies aim to redefine the customer relationship with cars – one controlled by smart devices at home and on the move.

The energy company will also facilitate a sustainability program that leverages low carbon technologies, and helps mitigate the environmental impact of everything from manufacturing through to sales and the day-to-day activities of Lotus employees.

“We are committed to helping our customers and communities achieve net-zero and to do so, we must enable the change to electric vehicles,” Centrica Group chief executive Chris O’Shea says.

“We have the technology, the skills and the scale to do this and our partnership with Lotus is another step in bringing our commitment to life.”

Centrica Innovations vice president Carl Bayliss sees a future where the customer, car and home are connected, enabling new services beyond charging the car, and new products and experiences.

Lotus Cars chief executive Phil Popham says its Vision80 strategy to 2028 will transform Lotus into a global player in the high-performance high-technology sector with a new range of cars.

“The difference is the energy and infrastructure that will power and support these products in the future.”

Lotus corporate strategy executive director Uday Senapati adds the future of mobility is a huge opportunity for providing value-added services to the consumer.

“We have set ambitious targets for decarbonising both our vehicles and our operations. Given the rate of change required and the importance of getting it right first time, the support of our strategic partner Centrica is going to be vital.”

Production of the electric Lotus Evija hypercar will start at the company’s Hethel, Norfolk later in 2020 – marking the start of Lotus’ journey to electrifying its growing range of vehicles.