In a world where sports cars are getting bigger and heavier, Lotus has stayed true to its lightweight design principle. But the traditional brand from Hethel ischanging its strategy. Revealed in London, the new Lotus Evija relies entirely on electric propulsion, and is expected to produce up to 2,000 horsepower, accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds and reach a top speed of over 320 km/h. Based on a monocoque architecture made of carbon fibre, the Lotus Evija weighs around 1,680 kilograms, and whilst not as lightweight as the Elise, it is setting new standards for the electric car market.

Agile handling is practically ensured by a mid-mounted battery engine, which promises a range of 400 kilometres and can be recharged in just nine minutes. Production is scheduled to start in 2020, with no more than 130 examples expected to be made, at a unit price of 1.5 to 2 million pounds plus taxes.