Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept: First Look

Jay Williams - 23/June/2010

Norfolk, England - The Latest technology from car manufactures Lotus is the Evora 414E Hybrid. This plug-in concept car is said to produce 306kW by using a conventional petrol engine to recharge two electric motor, which also powers the car, while saving fuel.

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors (each outputting 152kW) driving each of the rear wheels independently via a single speed geartrain, integrated into a common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, mounted in the centre of the vehicle for stability and safety.

Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimised 1.2-litre 35kW, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

As a safety precaution Lotus has incorporated HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International, which provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle – in simple terms the car has speakers on the outside that simulate engine nosies.

There are four driver-selectable engine sounds, two of which have been designed to have characteristics of a multi-cylinder conventional V6 and V12 engine. There is also a futuristic sound and a combination of a conventional engine and a futuristic sound to choose from.

The Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a seven-speed, paddle shift transmission that offers ultra quick gear changes reminiscent of a dual-clutch transmission, while actually being a single speed.

This helps to retain driver interaction with the vehicle and provides a driving experience similar to current internal combustion engines.

The simulated gearchange option can be selected on for greater driving involvement or switched off for more relaxed driving experience.

The Evora 414E Hybrid uses a column-mounted paddle shift to simulate the gear change and a synthesised engine sound changes frequency with virtual gear selection. The drive torque is also modulated to simulate a physical feeling of a gearshift jolt.

The vehicles energy storage system is made up of the latest Lithium Polymer battery chemistry providing 17kWH energy storage capacity. The battery pack is optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, with over 100kW discharge capability.

For day-today commuting journeys, up to 56km can be travelled using purely battery power. The battery can be charged overnight by simply plugging into your household power supply through a socket concealed by the rear number plate. For longer journeys, exceeding the battery capacity, the highly efficient range extender engine is used as a generator to supply the motor with electrical power and top up the battery.

In terms of styling the distinctive colour scheme and ‘floating’ roof have been carefully designed to note the cars electric vehicle technology whilst still complementing the iconic lines of the Evora.

The copper satin finish paint is complemented by electrical circuit inspired graphics that highlight the car’s key feature lines and the unique glazed roof panel. The newly extended glazed zone flows seamlessly with the existing forms of the Evora whilst showing off the key components behind the hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

Meanwhile the car boasts a stylish carbon fibre, leather and alcantara interior, aggressive carbon diffuser and an evocative high tech composite body.

Finishing off the cars look is a set diamond cut forged 19-inch alloy wheels front and rear, shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres (235/35 wide front and 285/30 wide rear).

Although this is just a concept car it shows that Lotus are capable of producing environmentally-friendly cars that don’t have to be so boring.

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