Lotus Range Extender Becoming More Real

The Lotus Range Extender Engine is moving from concept to production. If it sells, it will provide manufacturers a much faster method of moving into the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) market. That means they can move to lower emissions and higher fuel efficiency for less money than developing their own system (like GM and the Chevy Volt).

Lotus Engineering and Fagor Ederlan completed a joint technical and market study analysing the best route to production. The study ended with an agreement to develop the engine for series production for sale by Fagor Ederlan.

The 3-cylinder range extender was debuted in the 414E Hybrid and PROTON Emas concept vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show.

Lotus Evora 2010 Pictures

Lotus Evora 2010

Lotus Evora 2010

Lotus Evora 2010 Pictures

That’s why the Evora is so much larger—21.9 inches longer, with a 10.9-inch stretch in the wheelbase—putting it on par with more mainstream sports cars such as Porsche’s 911 and Cayman. Roughly five inches shorter than a 911, the Evora still houses a similarly sized (i.e., tiny) back seat, which is optional and seems adequate for little people and children up to 10 years old.

In front, even this six-foot-five-inch driver—Lotus’s claimed design target—had to slide the seat forward a couple of inches from its most rearward position, and the amply padded, leather Recaro seats were comfortable throughout a 250-mile drive. Easing entry and exit are narrower doorsills and a seating position that is 2.6 inches higher than the Elise’s. But the footwell is still narrow enough to require a miniature dead pedal.

2008 Lotus Elise Supercharged Views

2008 Lotus Elise Supercharged Front view

2008 Lotus Elise behind view

2008 Lotus Elise Interior