Lotus Could Put Type 135 on Ice: Potential Delay for the Electric Sports Car Amid Tech Challenges

Lotus Type 135 Electric sports car may be delayed

Could Lotus Delay the Launch of Type 135?

The eagerly anticipated Lotus Type 135 electric sports car, often dubbed the "electric Elise," could see its launch postponed. Lotus is considering putting the Type 135 on ice until advanced, next-generation battery technology becomes available, ensuring the car maintains the purity and spirit of the original Elise.

Lotus Type 135: A Sports Car Icon in the Making

Initially, the Lotus Type 135 was slated for a 2027 release, with a projected price tag of £75,000. This model was expected to replace the petrol-powered Emira. However, Ben Payne, Lotus Group's design boss, hinted at a possible delay. The current EV technology, he explained, might not allow the Type 135 to embody the essence of the original Elise — a lightweight, agile sports car with unmatched driving dynamics.

The Challenge of Current EV Technology

"The technology right now does not really allow you to recreate that product in a convincing way," Payne stated, pointing to the issues posed by modern EV hardware. Current electric vehicles often feature taller silhouettes and higher kerb weights due to underfloor battery placement, which clashes with Lotus's core design philosophy. Payne elaborated that the trend in the industry leans towards larger, heavier vehicles, as they more easily accommodate the technical elements required for EVs. This is evident in Lotus’s first electric models, the Emeya saloon and Eletre SUV, which are significantly larger and heavier than any of their combustion-engine predecessors.

Next-Gen Battery Tech: A Ray of Hope?

Lotus has already revealed its lightweight ‘E-Sports’ architecture for future electric sports cars, starting with the Type 135. This new design includes a rear subframe structure that is 37% lighter than that of the Emira, and a chassis that allows the batteries to be centrally stacked, promising a low center of gravity and dynamic performance akin to the Elise.

However, Payne suggested that the advent of lighter, more compact battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, could be a game-changer. These batteries are smaller, more energy-dense, and significantly lighter than today's conventional batteries, potentially allowing Lotus to create a true successor to the Elise that adheres to the brand's minimalist, performance-focused ethos.

Will the Lotus Type 135 Be Delayed?

While Payne did not confirm a delay for the Type 135’s 2027 launch, he acknowledged the need for the timing of the car's release to align perfectly with technological advancements. "These things need to dovetail in the right way," he said, emphasizing the delicate balance between innovation and business considerations. Although the 2027 target is still achievable, Payne noted, "It's a difficult job."

Lotus and the Future of Electric Sports Cars

The potential delay of the Lotus Type 135 underscores the challenges automakers face in the rapidly evolving EV landscape. As Lotus continues to push the boundaries of electric sports car design, the company remains committed to delivering a vehicle that stays true to its heritage—lightweight, agile, and utterly engaging to drive. The question remains: will Lotus put the Type 135 on ice, or will the next-gen battery technology arrive in time to bring this exciting electric sports car to market?