British carmaker Lotus, part of the Geely Group, is set to introduce its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicle in early 2026. This marks a significant shift from their initial plan to become an all-electric brand by 2028.
Key Takeaways
- The first Lotus PHEV will debut on the Chinese market in Q1 2026, followed by a European launch later that year.
- The model is likely to be an SUV variant of the Eletre, with potential for other Geely models as well.
- Lotus CEO Qingfeng Feng confirmed during a conference call that the PHEV will feature a 900-volt system and aim for a combined range of 1,100 kilometers in China’s CLTC cycle.
The news comes as Lotus revises its strategy to gradually phase out internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles. CEO Qingfeng Feng revealed during the company’s financial results call that despite the original plan to become an all-electric brand by 2028, they are now introducing a PHEV variant in early 2026.
Lotus is expected to launch its first plug-in hybrid vehicle on the Chinese market in Q1 of next year. The model will then roll out across Europe during the second half of 2026. While no specific name was given, it’s speculated that this PHEV could be an SUV variant of the Eletre.
The Lotus PHEV is anticipated to feature a high-voltage system similar to its battery-electric counterpart and aims for a combined range of 1,100 kilometers according to China’s CLTC driving cycle. However, exact specifications such as engine power and battery capacity are yet to be confirmed by the company.
Lotus has already seen success with its Eletre SUV in the electric vehicle market. The new PHEV model will likely build on this foundation while offering a hybrid option for customers who prefer or require the flexibility of both electric and internal combustion power.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lotus launching its first plug-in hybrid?
The first PHEV model from Lotus will be introduced in Q1 2026, starting with the Chinese market.
What kind of range can we expect from the Lotus PHEV?
According to reports by CarNewsChina, the combined range for this model is expected to be around 1,100 kilometers in China’s CLTC driving cycle.
Lotus’s decision to introduce a plug-in hybrid vehicle represents an exciting shift in their strategy. As they continue to evolve and adapt, it will be fascinating to see how this new model fits into the broader automotive landscape.
