Advanced EVs planned under Lotus/Williams partnership

“Advanced propulsion technologies” research and development will be shared by Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering under a new strategic technical partnership.

“Our new technology partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering is part of a strategy to expand our knowledge and capability in the rapidly changing automotive landscape,” Lotus Cars chief executive officer Phil Popham says.

“Applying advanced propulsion powertrains can provide numerous exciting solutions across multiple vehicle sectors. Our combined and complementary experiences make this a very compelling match of engineering talent, technical ability and pioneering British spirit.”

Lotus Engineering is known for its lightweight structures and advanced materials while Williams brings experience from four seasons of Formula E electric racing, particularly in batteries.

“Williams Advanced Engineering takes great pride in delivering innovation for our customers at a rapid pace of development, born from our Formula One heritage,” its managing director Craig Wilson says.

“We will be further developing next generation powertrains in this partnership with Lotus.”

Autocar

revealed a £2 million electric hypercar was under development by Lotus and it expects Williams will contribute its technical know-how.

As the first electric Lotus, the hypercar – codenamed Omega – is part of the brand’s repositioning as the cutting-edge technology and performance-focused leader of the Geely Group, its majority shareholder,

reports. The group also includes Volvo, Polestar and LEVC, three makers with extensive electrification experience.