Lotus To Give The Emira A Plug-In-Hybrid Version in 2027

Lotus has confirmed that it plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Emira sports car, as well as an upgrade to the V6 model, as part of a facelift scheduled to coincide with the implementation of the Euro 7 emissions regulations in 2027.

Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng states that the model will feature the same “Hyper Hybrid” technology planned for introduction in an SUV later this year, which is expected to be the Eletre.

The current four-cylinder Emira Turbo, which uses a Mercedes-AMG petrol engine, looks set to be phased out amid the EU7 facelift. The Emira V6 uses a Toyota engine, and Lotus previously said it could not be upgraded to meet the new regulations.

The inclusion of PHEV technology in the Emira is part of a closer collaboration between the Chinese division of Lotus Technology and Lotus Cars in the UK.

Feng also said that the recent decision to combine Lotus Technology and Lotus Cars will bring efficiencies. “We see a lot of room to improve efficiency as we consolidate many functions together, including technology synergies,” Feng said. He confirmed his commitment to the UK arm, which was rocked by news—which was later denied—that Lotus wanted to move production out of the UK.

“We have ambitious goals for the Lotus Cars business going forward,” Feng said. “We will focus on very high-performance attributes and also high-performance engineering services.”

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