Anyone considering a Lotus Eletre will need to brace for a hefty dose of sticker shock.
The electric midsize SUV is now available for reservation for U.S. buyers, with a starting price of $229,900, a significant jump from the $107,000 announced just last spring.
It's important to note that the previous starting price was for the regular Eletre, while the new price applies to the Carbon model, which is the only variant currently available for reservation in the U.S. The specifications of this model match those of the Eletre R, which was previously priced to start at $145,000.
This still represents an $84,900 increase, almost certainly a result of the 100% tariff the U.S. implemented in May on Chinese-made EVs. While Lotus is renowned for producing sports cars in Hethel, U.K., the automaker's new “lifestyle” vehicles like the Eletre and recently unveiled Emeya sedan are manufactured in Wuhan, China.
The Chinese-made Volvo EX30 has also been impacted by the tariffs. Volvo has postponed the U.S. launch until production of the electric subcompact crossover begins in Belgium.
To help justify the price increase of the Eletre, Lotus has loaded the Carbon model with an abundance of premium features as standard. This model, which has only been announced for the U.S. and Canada, comes equipped with items like Bridge of Weir leather trim, heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support and memory function, an Alcantara-lined steering wheel, and an electrochromic glass roof as a no-cost option.
The Carbon name comes from the addition of carbon-fiber accents for the exterior and cabin. The Eletre Carbon also offers a carbon-inspired Stardust black paint finish with a satin effect, which Lotus has stated will be exclusive to this model.
Performance-wise, it also impresses. Like the previously announced Eletre R, the Eletre Carbon features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with a 2-speed transmission, peaking at 905 hp. Claimed performance includes a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 2.95 seconds and a top speed of 165 mph.
A regular Eletre with a 603-hp rating is likely to be launched later.
The battery offered in all Eletres is a 111.9-kwh unit that Lotus claims can be charged from 10-80% in 20 minutes using a DC fast charger with 350-kw support. Lotus quotes a maximum range of 304 miles for the Eletre R in other markets, calculated using the WLTP test cycle used overseas, and the same should apply for the Carbon. Expect lower numbers when measured under the stricter EPA cycle.
U.S. deliveries of the Eletre Carbon are currently expected to start in the first quarter of 2025.
