The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via single speed geartrain, integrated into a common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle.
Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack optimized for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, mounted in the center of the vehicle for stability and safety, the company said. Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimized 1.2l, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.
The hybrid concept incorporates HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International, which provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle.
Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7 speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimized energy recuperation.
The Lotus Range Extender engine provides 35 kW (48 PS/47 hp) of power at 3,500rpm via the integrated electrical generator. This results in reduced engine mass, assembly costs, package size and improved emissions and engine durability. The engine uses an optimized two-valve, port-fuel injection combustion system to reduce cost and mass and can be operated on alcohol-based fuels and/or gasoline.
Robert Hentschel, director of Lotus Engineering, said: ”The Evora 414E Hybrid is the perfect demonstration of Lotus Engineering’s core competencies: lightweight architectures, efficient performance, electrical and electronics integration and driving dynamics.
”The technology demonstrator represents an encapsulation of the advanced technologies that Lotus Engineering continues to develop to overcome the current environmental challenges facing the automotive industry and showcases the future direction that the sector is taking.”
