all-electric British hypercar Archives

Lotus Evija production to start soon as new factory is completed

The new manufacturing facility where Lotus will build its Evija all-electric hypercar is being readied for final prototype production. Shortly after production commences in mid-2020, the first of 130 customers can expect deliveries of their cars. The first year’s production allocation is already designated to customers around the world.

The hall is situated trackside next to Lotus’ 3.5-km circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others. The result is a versatile and inspiring workspace that will see Lotus hand-build up to 130 examples of the Evija.

“This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters,” said Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars.

“With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition,” he added.

Read: Lotus Evija Revealed! Facts & Figures of the world’s most powerful series production road car

Work on the new Evija factory began in mid-2019. Highly collaborative in nature, the project has involved the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors with more than 50 experts on site over the last 6 months.

The interior has been fitted on three sides with gantries which frame the build stations. These have been designed and engineered to be sleek and unobtrusive, though robust enough to carry the necessary power, data and compressed air systems required to assemble the Evija.

An overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp have also been installed. The interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 of the latest high-density, low-energy LEDs. A state-of-the-art light tunnel will house the rigorous final inspection, before each Evija is driven out directly onto the test track for dynamic validation.

The Evija is the first all-electric British hypercar and has a target power output of 2,000 ps, which makes it the world’s most powerful series production road car. Its ultra-lightweight carbonfibre monocoque also makes it the world’s lightest production EV hypercar, at 1,680 kgs.The engineers expect the 0 to 100 km/h time to be under 3 seconds with a top speed over 320 km/h. Running on just electrical energy with no emissions, the Evija is expected to be able to go up to 400 kms.

Lotus Evija prototypes complete high-speed testing as electric hypercar debuts in China (w/VIDEO)

Lotus Evija prototypes complete high-speed testing as electric hypercar debuts in China (w/VIDEO)

The Lotus Evija has entered its initial build phase in the UK as the first British electric hypercar’s global tour continues this week with its Chinese debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show. To celebrate, Lotus premiered a new film during its press conference at Guangzhou which reveals engineering prototype #2 in high-speed action on a private circuit.

The film highlights just how far development work has progressed since the Evija was unveiled last July. It also confirms the pioneering 2-seater is on course for start of production next year. Dynamic testing will involve track time at the home of Lotus and on other demanding high-speed and performance handling circuits across Europe.

Most powerful road-legal car
Over the coming months, several prototypes will cover many thousands of kilometres and many hundreds of hours of driving assessment, including on public roads. The Evija – with a target output of 2000 ps making it the most powerful production road car in the world – has already been through kinematic and compliance testing and endured multiple dynamic load and suspension simulations.

Both the dynamic and static testing are part of a comprehensive validation process designed to guarantee the car will meet customer expectations and demands in key global markets and environments. They are in addition to the extensive programme of computer simulations already completed as part of the hypercar’s development.

“Physical prototype testing at speed is a landmark moment for the Evija and hugely exciting for everyone involved. Our aim is to make sure it’s a true Lotus in every sense, with exceptional performance that’s going to set new standards in the hypercar sector,” said Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes, Lotus Cars.

“Everything about the Evija is ‘For The Drivers’. I don’t believe there is another EV in the world that can claim this. From the mid-engined-inspired Lotus layout, to the aerodynamics and downforce, the driving position, vehicle stance and unbelievable performance. It is instantly recognisable as special with a unique character, yet it is unquestionably a Lotus,” added Matt Windle, Executive Director, Sports Car Engineering.

Illustrative of the innovative thinking and ingenuity which has always been part of the Lotus DNA, the Evija is a technical tour de force. It continues the legendary Lotus bloodline that’s rich in firsts and technical game-changers, both in the automotive and motorsport sectors.

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