If an Emira hybrid became reality, Lotus would no doubt extensively modify and retune any third-party components to ensure the coupé’s performance and dynamic attributes were retained, but it would at least seem to be technically possible – pending any modifications that need to be made from a structural point of view.
The Anglo-Chinese firm’s new ‘Hyper Hybrid’ REx technology, which it will add to its EV models in 2026 in a bid to drive sales, uses 900V electricals and is compatible with the EPA platform that underpins the Emeya and Eletre, so it’s unlikely to find its way into the Emira.
The future for the Emira is especially unclear now that the Type 135 that was due to replace it has been pushed back in line with Lotus’s freeze on new product launches.
Lotus has also been open about the need to wait for new lightweight battery technology to come on stream so that an ‘electric Elise’ holds true to the dynamic prowess of its petrol forebear.
Balmer said: “We have to look at the technology available to achieve the attributes that are important to us for those products, and at the right time as well. If we were to do it today, then we don’t feel we could achieve that.”
