Lotus Cars has revealed a plug-in hybrid version of the Lotus Eletre, which is set to arrive in Europe in 2026. The announcement has attracted significant attention, not only because of its impressive performance figures, but also because it marks a return to combustion engines for Geely
Owned by Geely, Lotus Cars had previously planned to transition into a fully electric manufacturer. However, the introduction of a hybrid powertrain for the Eletre suggests the company is adjusting its strategy as the global market for electric vehicles develops more slowly than expected.
The plug-in hybrid Lotus Eletre launched in China this week and is expected to arrive in Europe by the end of 2026. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a synchronous electric motor on each axle. Together, the system produces a combined output of around 939bhp, an astonishing figure that actually exceeds the power output of the fully electric Lotus Eletre R.
With this powertrain, the hybrid SUV is capable of accelerating from 0–62mph in just 3.3 seconds, putting it firmly in super-SUV territory. Despite the added combustion engine, Lotus has ensured the vehicle still delivers strong electric performance.
The hybrid model uses a large 70kWh battery pack, allowing for an estimated electric-only range of up to 220 miles. When combined with the petrol engine, Lotus claims a total driving range of around 880 miles. The battery also supports extremely fast ‘6C’ charging, meaning it can recharge from 30% to 80% in roughly eight minutes under the right conditions.
Lotus Cars has also indicated that hybrid technology will not be limited to the Lotus Eletre. The company is currently working on a plug-in hybrid version of the Lotus Emira, which is expected to be introduced alongside a future facelift. The update will help the sports car meet the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, set to apply to existing models from 2027.
Previously, Lotus had aimed to become an all-electric brand by 2028. However, slower-than-expected sales of the Lotus Eletre and the Lotus Emeya have prompted the company to reconsider its timeline. Introducing plug-in hybrid models could provide a more flexible transition while still offering electrified performance.
Pricing has not yet been officially confirmed for the hybrid Eletre in the UK. The current fully electric Eletre starts at around £87,000, so the new plug-in hybrid model could potentially start closer to £120,000. While that would make it significantly more expensive, the combination of huge power figures and a much longer driving range may justify the higher price for some buyers.
In terms of chassis technology, the Eletre plug-in hybrid retains Lotus’ advanced performance hardware. It features active anti-roll bars powered by a 48-volt electrical system, dual-chamber air suspension, and dual-valve adaptive dampers designed to balance comfort and handling. Lotus has also equipped the SUV with massive 412mm front brake discs paired with six-piston callipers as standard, ensuring the stopping power matches the car’s performance.
Lotus has yet to confirm an exact UK reveal date for the hybrid Eletre. However, the company will be hoping that the new powertrain helps boost interest in the model and increase sales now that the Eletre has been on the market for some time.
