Lotus to start making electric SUVs in 2022, to be joined by 3 new EV models by 2026

An SUV wearing Lotus badges might be a fever dream for most (if not all) enthusiasts, but it's happening, and it's coming in 2022.

It's not going to be compact, as Lotus says the Type 132 (codename, actual name yet to be announced) will be an E-segment SUV. 

The Type 133 four-door coupe will follow in 2023, fitting in the same E-segment as populated by the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Also read: Who said you can’t compare a Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a Toyota Camry?

2025 will see the introduction of the Type 134, which is a D-segment SUV. Yes, that's a lot of SUVs and large sedans from Lotus, but they'll still make another sports car in 2026, codenamed Type 135 for now.

These new models are in addition to the Evija all-electric hypercar and the recently-debuted Emira, the last petrol-powered sports car from Lotus.

Also read: Lotus Emira open for booking in Malaysia; Launching in February 2022

Sitting on new architecture

These new models will be based on the Lotus Premium architecture, which supports a wheelbase range from 2,889 mm to 3,100 mm for cars in C+ to E-segments, with possible expansion in the future.

Utilising 92-120 kilowatt-hours (kWh) batteries, it will be compatible with 800-volt high-speed EV charging systems, and cars developed on this platform "will be capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in under three seconds."

Injected by Nio, set to be made-in-China

Meanwhile, there's a new partnership between Lotus and Chinese EV maker, Nio. Li Bin, the founder of the latter, has invested into Lotus Technology, which Lotus says opens up opportunities for industrial co-operation.

Lotus Technology is Group Lotus' EV subsidiary, headquarted in Wuhan, China. Though the HQ is only set for completion in 2024, the company's Wuhan factory will open later this year and will complement the carmaker's Hethel and Norwich, UK, facilities.

Covering an area of over 1 million square meters, the RMB 8 billion (~RM 5.1 billion) plant has an eventual capacity of 150,000 cars per year - 15 times more than Lotus' existing Hethel production line.

Also read: Made-in-China Lotus models coming soon, new HQ in Wuhan underway