Lotus developing EVs

Auckland-based Giltrap Group says it will have the Lotus electric Type 132 when it becomes available.

Lotus Auckland is one of the group’s many dealerships and is expected to offer Lotus electric cars after they are produced.

The first performance SUV from Lotus, the Type 132, is due for its world premiere later this year and it will be followed by a four-door sports coupe (Type 133) and a smaller SUV (Type 134) in coming years, Lotus says.

It has meanwhile renamed its Warwickshire United Kingdom Geely design studio to the Lotus Tech Creative Centre Limited (LTCC) which is playing a key role in transforming the UK sports car company to a global performance car business and brand.

“More than just a traditional automotive design studio, the LTCC philosophy is inspired by the mindset of start-ups and creative agencies – open, progressive, and pioneering,” studio head Ben Payne says.

Under his guidance, the LTCC team has taken the lead on creating a highly desirable range of new, all-electric lifestyle cars for the next generation of Lotus customers.

LTCC is working in close collaboration with the design team at Hethel, led by Russell Carr, which will continue to spearhead Lotus’ global sports car programmes. The Type 135, the first EV sports car from Lotus, is already in development.

Overseeing the work of both design studios is Peter Horbury, appointed senior vice president, executive advisor, design at Lotus last September.

“LTCC and Lotus Design at Hethel are now aligned as creative centres of excellence to develop and deliver the Lotus design vision,” he says.

“They are already collaborating closely with the other Lotus facilities around the world, such as Lotus Tech HQ in Wuhan, China, and Lotus Tech Innovation Centre in Raunheim, Germany.”

Lotus has also worked on an electric prototype – the Lotus Evija.

Click here for more information on the Lotus Type 132.