Lotus has abandoned its electric-only timeline as part of a strategic reset called ‘Focus 2030’, according to company officials.
The Geely-owned British manufacturer will pursue multiple powertrains instead of going fully electric by 2028. The new approach targets a 60% plug-in hybrid and 40% battery electric vehicle split in the short term.
Qingfeng Feng, Lotus CEO, framed the pivot around the brand’s heritage.
“Lotus was born from the rebellious spirit of Colin Chapman, and that is not lost today. Focus 2030 will reset both the brand and the business to keep us true to our DNA.”
The strategy represents what Lotus calls a “significant reset” – emphasizing brand reinforcement, financial discipline, and what the company describes as staying true to its engineering obsessions.
Eletre X Leads Hybrid Push
The £84,990 Eletre X will spearhead Lotus’s hybrid strategy when it launches in Europe this June.
This plug-in hybrid version of the company’s SUV pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with dual electric motors. The combination produces 939 horsepower through all-wheel drive.
Lotus claims the Eletre X delivers 217 miles of electric-only range from its 70kWh battery pack. Total range reaches 745 miles, while the 900V architecture enables 20-80% charging in nine minutes.
The model already sells in China as the ‘For Me’ variant. European deliveries start in the fourth quarter.
V8 Supercar Returns
Focus 2030 also confirmed the Type 135 supercar for 2028.
This new flagship will use a V8 hybrid powertrain generating 986 horsepower. Lotus plans to announce an updated version of its internal combustion Emira sports car within weeks.
The £84,990 Emeya performance sedan remains electric-only. So does the £2 million Evija hypercar, which produces 2,011 horsepower.
Lotus insists it’s still pursuing “customer-led transition to full electrification” after 2030 – just not on the original timeline.
Daniel Li, Lotus Technology chairman and Geely executive vice chairman, emphasized continued investment commitment.
“Geely has believed in Lotus from the beginning, and that belief has not wavered. We are committed to giving Lotus the resources it deserves to compete at the highest level.”
The strategy shift reflects broader industry challenges with EV adoption timelines. Lotus joins manufacturers adjusting electrification plans while maintaining long-term electric goals.
