Lotus is pivoting to hybrid cars, including petrol/electric versions of its Eletre SUV and Emira sports car, due to commercial reality. The brand had previously announced plans to go all-electric by 2028, but has now decided to adopt a more flexible approach to powertrains.
Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit 2026, Lotus group CEO Qingfeng Feng outlined the company's new strategy, which includes a commitment to the Hethel factory in Norfolk. Feng admitted that the company's previous plan to go all-electric by 2028 was "aggressive" and that the company had acted "too fast".
The new strategy, dubbed "Focus 2030", aims to realign the company's priorities with demand in the luxury car market. Feng stated that global volume for upmarket pure electric cars is less than 10 percent of the total market, with demand also weak in China, the home market of Lotus parent Geely.
The shift in strategy is headlined by plans to revitalize the Lotus Emira sports car and roll out plug-in hybrid powertrains for Lotus's four-door "lifestyle" models. The company also plans to create a new V8-powered Lotus Esprit supercar, codenamed Type 135.
The first fruit of this new strategy will be a revamped Lotus Emira, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. The company has also committed to British engineering and manufacturing at the Hethel plant in Norfolk, with Feng stating that the factory has a "lot of strengths and competitive edge".
However, Feng also outlined the geopolitical issues facing the company's isolated British outpost, including US tariffs and Brexit. Despite these challenges, the company remains committed to the UK factory, with Feng stating that it is the "best option" for the production of the Type 135 and hybrid Emira.
Source: autoexpress.co.uk
