Lotus to debut its first plug-in hybrid SUV Eletre in 2026

Overview

Lotus will introduce its first plug-in hybrid model in 2026, marking a strategic shift from the company’s previous plan to move directly from combustion engines to fully electric cars. The newcomer is expected to be a plug-in hybrid version of the Eletre SUV and will become Lotus’s first series-production vehicle using this technology.

Model and positioning

The plug-in hybrid is described as an E-segment SUV, strongly indicating it will be based on the existing Lotus Eletre, the brand’s electric performance SUV. With this model, Lotus aims to appeal to customers who want the efficiency and electric driving of a PHEV while retaining long-range capability and high performance.

Powertrain and performance

Lotus’s first plug-in hybrid will use a high-performance hybrid system built on a 900V platform designed for both powerful acceleration and long-distance touring. The system output is expected to reach about 939 bhp, exceeding the most powerful all-electric Eletre versions and positioning the SUV among the most powerful plug-in hybrids on the market.

The car will combine a combustion engine with one or more electric motors and a large-capacity battery, enabling both strong performance and an extended electric-only driving range. With a full battery and fuel tank, the total range is targeted at over 1,000 km (around 621 miles), underlining Lotus’s focus on long-distance usability.

Chassis and technology

The hybrid SUV’s platform is engineered for “race-level” chassis tuning, emphasizing driving dynamics despite its size and power. Key hardware will include an advanced air suspension system and a 48-volt active anti-roll or stabilization setup to control body movements in fast cornering.

Lotus also highlights a Dual Hyper Charging concept, which uses both high-voltage charging capability and the combustion engine acting as a generator to rapidly recharge the battery while driving. This combination is intended to reduce charging downtime and make the plug-in hybrid suitable for a variety of use cases and markets.

Launch timeline and markets

Lotus plans to preview the plug-in hybrid SUV at an event in China in January 2026, with the local market launch scheduled for the first quarter of that year. European markets, including the UK, are expected to follow later in 2026, while there are currently no confirmed plans for an immediate launch in the United States.

Future hybrid plans

The company is already preparing an additional hybrid model, internally known as “Vision X,” planned for 2027. This future vehicle will use similar plug-in hybrid technology in a smaller SUV format, intended to compete with premium performance crossovers such as the Porsche Macan and BMW X3.

Brand strategy

Introducing a plug-in hybrid range marks a notable change for Lotus, historically associated with lightweight combustion sports cars and, more recently, pure electric models. The brand sees plug-in hybrids as a pragmatic step to stabilize finances, expand its customer base, and support continued investment in performance-oriented sports cars and advanced electrification.

Lotus’s first plug-in hybrid SUV is set to combine almost 1,000 bhp, a 900V electrical system and more than 1,000 km of driving range, signalling a performance-focused yet pragmatic evolution of the brand.

Author’s summary

Lotus’s first PHEV, a high-performance Eletre-based SUV with a 900V platform and over 1,000 km range, launches in China in early 2026 and opens a new hybrid chapter for the brand.

electrive.com — 2025-11-29