The new technical base that will be the skeleton of the electric Lotus of the future is called “Leva”: it is the acronym for “Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture” and it is a modular platform – that is, modifiable in terms of wheelbase, in the size of the batteries used. and in the number of engines applied – which will make it possible to create more models. At the rear, however, the Leva weighs 37% less than the petrol platform of the Emira.
There are two possible locations for the battery: for the sportier two-seater models, the accumulator is housed behind the passenger cell and in front of the electron powertrain, in turn housed at the rear axle. However, on some Lotus of the future – presumably designed to be more versatile and comfortable, with passenger compartment for four passengers, or rather 2 + 2 – the battery pack will be welcomed under the floor, as happens for Tesla or Volkswagen cars.
This second architectural option would correspond to a driving position positioned higher, unlike the Lotus with accumulator located behind the passenger compartment, which instead will have a low driving position, as befits real supercars. All will have rear-wheel drive and two power-steps: 476 HP and a 66.4 kWh battery (the only size available for the chassis with an underfloor battery), and double engine, with 884 HP and 99 battery, 6 kWh. The wheelbase, that is the distance between the axes, will also change, between 2.47 meters and 2.65 meters.
“The Leva project and the E-Sports platform best summarize the concept of innovation that we are pursuing”, explains in an official note the executive director of the Engineering division of Lotus, Richard Moore: “We have made numerous corrections to make the entire life cycle of the product, giving life to a frame conceived from the beginning to obtain maximum lightness and performance. Rather than focusing on the development of a single model, we preferred to devote our efforts to designing an architecture capable of supporting an entire generation of electric cars ”.