The following article was produced in partnership with Lotus.
When Formula 1’s most iconic brand, Lotus, launched its three latest creations last month, we felt we could say, without hyperbole, that the world of EVs had entered a new era. Namely, one where sustainability and high performance could work hand-in-hand with a premium feel.
Most importantly of all, it all came together under a name that we already know, love, and revere; driving’s illustrious heritage need not cleave from its cleaner (and no less illustrious) future.
Of these three vehicles, one steadfastly leads the charge: the Lotus Emeya, a fully electric hyper-GT that embodies Lotus’ spirit of innovation with a sleek, motorsport-inspired design underpinned by eco-conscious engineering. The Emeya redefines what it means to drive an EV, and we’re thrilled it’s finally landed on Australian shores.
A New Breed
The Lotus Emeya is built for the driver who demands speed — any self-respecting driver should — but also yearns for the sustainability that a clean conscience requires. With a class-leading top speed of 256 km/h and the capacity to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds, this hyper-GT offers instant, frankly breathtaking power.
This is all thanks to its precision-engineered 50-50 weight distribution and a lowered centre of gravity, which also means Emeya handles like a dream, providing stability and control even when you’re working those pedals hard, whether it be through snaking city streets or on the open highways.
Of course, plenty of cars can go fast; what sets the Emeya apart is the advanced mechanics that deliver said speed. The car’s active aerodynamics, including an active rear wing that deploys at high speeds, work in harmony to improve downforce, enhance handling, and — in masterful anticipation of the most common stone to be thrown at high-performance EVs — increase driving range.
Paired with motorsport-inspired elements like the grille, dam, and diffuser, the Emeya is as functional as it is fierce, maximising performance while keeping you firmly in control.
For the Discerning Driver
At the heart of the Emeya is its 800V battery technology, offering fast and efficient charging that slots into the busiest of lifestyles.
The car supports 350kW DC charging — for those new to EV jargon, that means you can recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes — making it perfect for those who really love racking up the miles. The 22kW AC charging option also means you’re covered whether you’re plugging in at home or on the go.
Beyond performance, the Emeya raises the bar for luxury in the EV space. The interior makes extensive use of carbon fibre — and not just for aesthetics, as is becoming far too commonplace for this writer’s liking — but to actually enhance performance too, keeping the car as light as can be.
The fabrics used for the interior also do their bit for the planet too; sourced from offcuts at some of the world’s most prestigious (if apparently profligate…) fashion houses, proving that luxury doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet.
With the Emeya, Lotus has crafted a vehicle that caters to more of the modern driver’s needs than you may expect from a brand whose historic appeal came from its ability to go very fast and look good while doing it. While the driving experience undeniably remains thrilling, the sleek silhouette employs adaptive lighting technology that maximises low-light vision, ensuring that every journey is as safe as it is stylish.
Inside the cabin, the KEF audio system delivers an immersive sonic experience (normally going for up to $60,000 AUD for a pair, you’d certainly hope so), while instant connectivity and zero-lag interfaces in the driver’s cockpit — for any gamers in the readership, you’ll be chuffed to hear the system runs on the revered Unreal Engine — offer the seamless control and tech integration that is an increasing cornerstone of the automotive world.
It’s even got an app, meaning you can check the battery level, change the temperature, or use keyless entry.
When our founder, Luc Weisman, took the Emeya for a spin, he found that Lotus’ ability to “balance the analogue and digital experience” is what really made this a driver’s car. With regenerative braking on one side of the wheel, combined with three driving modes, you can pick between a longer-distance drive or a sportier mode that tightens up both steering and suspension at the flick of a switch.
Get Around It
Lotus’s legacy of engineering superiority remains firmly intact with the Emeya, but this new chapter brings a fresh focus on sustainable luxury too; it’s built for the future but doesn’t compromise on Lotus’s rich motorsport heritage.
Whether you’re a go-fast enthusiast looking for raw performance or a style-conscious family man who wants a squeaky clean vehicle that fits seamlessly into your life (but still delivers a bit of pedal to the metal razzledazzle when required…) the Emeya is the one for you.