Lotus has finally released the production version of the Evija to the public after years of anticipation, dating back to 2016. First introduced to the public in 2019, the Evija was intended to revolutionize the brand with its cutting-edge aesthetics, mesmerizing acceleration, and over-the-top specifications with an all-electric platform.
The actual production was planned for 2020; however, the construction was initiated in 2024 due to various complications. This delayed electric supercar is now in its first production run, which has also been put through the rigorous racing track, proving what it can do.
A Featherweight Among Giants
As is usually the case with high-end motor vehicles, Lotus has been historically linked with light and precise handling, and although the Evija might not be a vehicle that could be described as light by today’s standards, it is fairly light when compared to other electric hypercars. It weighs 4,160 pounds (1,887 kg); it might still be pretty heavy for a Lotus, but it is significantly lighter than rivals such as the Rimac Nevera.
Most of this weight saving accrues from a modest 70 kWh battery pack, which enables a reach of up to 195 miles (WLTP) in Evija. Indeed, aggressive driving will most probably reduce that number significantly.
On the track, the Evija excels in terms of grip and handling, which is incredibly sharp and responsive. Four motors provide instant torque and brilliant acceleration, and more to the point, the car manages to do it with a certain degree of elegance. Lotus has fine-tuned these systems to give the driver a somewhat refined and manageable rush rather than reckless chaos. It understeers at the limit, which is characteristic of Lotus, and while it might cause a shopper to pause, there is a torque vectoring system that effectively corrects the car’s line.
The Evija favors public roads and is quite commendably poised out on the route. However, manufacturing extraordinary systems makes the car pleasing to drive fiercely, though not overpowering for the driver. The electronic aids are kept in the background and ensure that consumers’ wishes are met without intruding on their presence.
A Tough Market to Crack
However, the Evija enters a highly saturated market environment. To compete favorably in the market, Evija must develop certain strategies. The Rimac Nevera, for instance, has versatility, upgraded 800-volt architecture, longer range, and, of course, a lower price compared to its predecessor, with the range remaining in the hundreds of millions. Of course, the idea was always that only 130 Evijas could be produced, but there is no evidence that Lotus has sold all of them. That may be because the buyers are less convinced by the value proposition of the car against other EV hypercars.
Nevertheless, the Evija is a big and grand attempt for Lotus at the same time. It doesn’t squander the heritage of the brand but finds ways of equally showcasing a good electric vehicle for the carmaker in a segment where numbers sometimes overpower.
